"20"

What's your 20? 

I'm a numbers guy, and yes 20 is a number.  But "20" is much more than that to me. 

My brother-in-law has been hitting his workouts hard the last year and a half and as a result of his effort has made it up a local hike in 20 minutes.  Take my word for it when I say this is a very fast time.  Currently I can make it to the top in 29 minutes when I push it.  I could make a lot of excuses why it takes me that much longer but I won't waste our collective time doing so.   

Recently we have been hiking together in the morning since this hike happens to be on my way to work and convenient for an early morning work out.  The first day I only made it two thirds up the trail when he passed me on his way back down.  I chose to turn around and follow him down.  Finishing my climb well short of the summit. 

I like summiting so turning around early did not sit well with me.  I didn't want to do this a second time.  So on day two I got to the trail a few minutes ahead of him and started up early in an effort to beat him to the top.  I barely made it as he was quickly coming up behind me and while still trying to catch my breath we headed back down to the car.  His down hill pace equally daunting.  The experience was more than enough motivation to get me in gear.

So you ask what 20 is?  It's simply a goal.  Written on my white board that sits behind my desk at the office.  I have nine minutes to shave off my time and I am working towards that end.  Goals help me get somewhere.  For me I find writing them down where I can see them helps me to remain focused and remember my commitment to myself.  Going public helps me stay accountable.  Having a pace car like my brother-in-law helps too.  Reminds me it's achievable and the quicker pace keeps pulling me towards the prize. 

Ultimately, whether I accomplish it or not is besides the point.  I have something to aim for.  It's the discipline in the pursuit that makes all the difference. 

So what's your "20"?