We all have our dreams, which sometimes come true quickly and can take forever on others. Persistence in keeping the dream alive shouldnt be that hard, but when our goals are slow in coming to fruition our energy wanes, our drive stalls and we become discouraged.

Dont worry, it happens to all of us. But, the good news is, you can easily overcome it.

In the past few years, as I have become more dedicated to bicycle racing, I have found that I can push through certain levels of discomfort if I just think about it. These moments of pain and doubt generally come within the first hour of long ride, or the initial minutes of an intense time trial. At those times, my body hasnt quite achieved the level of performance that equates to excitement; Im still outside my best degree of competence and efficiency.

Physically, I feel a few moments of weakness, my heart rate is rising above 90% of maximum, doubt sets in and I begin to wonder if I can do what is being asked of me. Then, I play a mental game with myself.

Knowing that I am capable of much more than I often give myself credit for, I adjust my position on the seat sliding back for more efficiency in my stroke, I lean forward bringing my hands to the middle of the handle bars, next to my computer and heart rate monitor, and push forward with the heels of my hands. And then, I do one last thing: I smile.

I have learned over time that if I smile, I generate an overall sense of happiness, more energy, and creativity.

This simple act makes me feel stronger and in control. The mental game of dont give up, try something else, or look for another way to accomplish the task at hand and smiling while doing it, energizes me. Often, we feel drained at the thought of having to do something. Being happy and smiling brings renewed zest to the task and your abilities.

That task, in this instance, is more than likely a hill, sometimes a mountain pass or push for a finish line. But, it could just as easily be: meeting a deadline for a project at work, completing a homework assignment for that continuing education class youre taking, or communicating with someone whom you need to resolve an issue with.

Pushing through any resistance with persistence can be very rewarding. The confidence and self-empowerment obtained will raise the bar for future challenges, and you will be able to push through even more difficult situations easier than before.

It all takes practice, but as the old saying goes, Practice makes perfect.

In the end, its one mans opinionmine.

Keith Renninson

Keith E. Renninson is a native of Colorado. After a tour of duty in Viet Nam, he returned home and spent 30 years as a financial planner and insurance agent. He was a two-term President of the Mile-Hi Association of Life Underwriters and four-term President of the Kipling Sun Homeowners Association. He is the Chairman of the 2006 Tour de Cure bicycle ride for the American Diabetes Association in Colorado. Keith is also the current Vice-President of COBRAS (Colorado Organization of Bicycle Racing Seniors).

In 1995, he self-published his first book, ?The Pain & Joy of Love: A Collection of Poetry, Black and White Photography and Short Stories.? In 2003, Keith was the Editor of the Arapahoe Community College Art and Literary Magazine ?The Progenitor,? and in 2004-2005 the Editor of the Arapahoe Observer newspaper.

During eight years of the 1990's, Keith wrote his column, "Philosophically Speaking" for the Downtown Denver News.

In August 2004, Keith's essay "Compassion at Death's Door" was published by The American Legion Magazine and received worldwide acclaim.

When neighbor Michael Conrad Kelley offered they work together on his manuscript ?Zooch the Pooch,? Keith was excited and honored to be involved in such a worthy project. An illustrated children's book and parenting tool, Zooch was published in November of 2005 and is available on their website or at Amazon.com.

Mike and Keith are also professional speakers presenting their inspirational talk & seminar "Seven Simple Steps to a More Fulfilling Life." They can be contacted directly for radio, TV and print interviews.

In December 2006, one of Keith's latest essays, "To Achieve Clarity in Life Make Meditation Part of Your Day" will appear in a new book "101 Ways to Improve Your Life" alongside notable authors such as Mark Victor Hansen of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" fame.

Keith formed Golden Years Videos, LLC with business partner Jeff Forman which produces exercise videos for senior citizens, and those unable to perform standing exercises. Always the exercise enthusiast Keith, wanted to provide a series of videos which would assist those in need of conditioning. You can see more about this at the Golden Years Videos website listed above.

In his leisure time, Keith studies philosophy, competes in American Cycling Association bicycle races around Colorado, loves to downhill ski, practices yoga, writes and climbs the Fourteener?s of Colorado?s Rockies.