Doing the Work

In 2015, Kendall Schler, who was originally declared the winner of the 2015 St. Louis Marathon on April 12, had her title taken away and was officially disqualified after marathon officials discovered that she cheated to win the race. Schler came onto the course at the last checkpoint to cross the finish line before the other 582 female runners.  During the race, she was never seen among competitors or among the leaders.  She certainly isn't the only runner to take a shortcut during a marathon!

There is no quick road to success and there are no huge shortcuts.  When you are on a long journey, a shortcut can be very tempting.  The motivation that over 500,000 runners complete marathons each year through honest hard work is not enough for some who want to receive recognition that they did not earn.

Prepare yourself along your journey for success.  Create your own definition of success by defining milestones that result from your hard work.  Mingle with competitors and even with leaders when the opportunities present themselves.  View their company as a learning opportunity, a motivational moment, or an encouraging encounter.  Keep trying...and when you finally cross the finish line, you'll be recognized as a deserving recipient.