A running mantra

Runners like to have little mantras, especially for the distance. Sometimes these are favorite phrases, quotes, short poems or even one word catalysts for action. One of my own, that's emerged from a latent brain distracted by a steady pace:

It's not about where you are, it's about what direction you're moving in.

As with all good running mottos, it's hokey, simple and speaks directly to me. For instance, it does indeed matter 'where you are'--that's your starting point, mentally or physically. But the gist of the mantra is: if you're feeling on top of the world now, that's great but this is a long race. And if you're feeling slow now, don't worry--moving forward is the most important thing you can do now to go faster.

And, as is true of other great lessons of running, the mantra's meaning extends to life in general.