I have some major studying to do. There is a major exam coming up. I have my back to the
wall. I don't have any options right now other than to study. I know I can do it, but it will take a
huge effort. The fact of the matter is that if I apply myself and study, I will be able to solve a lot
of problems in my life. Actually, there are no problems, but there will be if I don't do well on the
exam!

One thing that always motivated me was the 1989 New York City Marathon. I don't remember
the winning time, but the winner in the men's division, was an Ethiopian named Juma Ikaanga.
He averaged 4:51 miles, with a 4:38 mile and won convincingly. He made it look so easy, but it
wasn't. He said in a quote, "The will to win means nothing, if there is no will to prepare."
Things don't come easy in life. One has to work hard to achieve success, but once it has been
achieved, no one ever regrets the work and effort that was put into it.