July 2 2026

Where Winners are Made

Today, July 2, marks the halfway point of 2026. In two days, our country will celebrate 250 years, but today? Today we’re in no-man’s land—smack-dab in the middle of the year. Our world revolves around celebrating the beginning… and the end. Kindergarten and graduation. Opening Day and the World Series. Birth and death. But what about the middle? That’s where winners are made!

The middle is huge. It’s that enormous expanse from B to Y, yet we celebrate A and Z. Sure, we celebrate each win on our team’s way to the playoffs, but countless milestones go unnoticed or never get reached. The middle is hard. Sometimes it seems there’s nothing special about the middle. No fanfare. No medals or diplomas. And often, no recognition that you are even still in the race.

Of course, I’m writing this because I’m in the heart of the middle of my second book of a three- or four-part series, Finding Joy in the East: A Comeback Journey. Today I’m celebrating because I reached the benchmark I set on January 1. My manuscript is officially in the hands of an editor. In keeping with my word for the year, I’m still trusting the process. And now… I wait.

In March and again in June, I encouraged you to stay in the game. For it is in the middle that winners are made. The excitement comes in the beginning. The reward comes at the end. But it’s in the quiet of the middle that character grows.

Re-evaluate your goals. Cut one in half or pick up the pace, but keep moving forward. Anyone can start. Winners refuse to stop when the excitement wanes. So, if you’re in the middle of a worthwhile goal, keep going.

Please share what keeps you going when you’re in the middle.

*Photo by Tom