RADM Benjamin Montoya, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)

I was honored to work with the Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.) recently to create their first historical video.  Originally created after WWI to continue the relationships forged between engineers in the public and private sectors, SAME has grown in many ways since that time.    

I'm featuring this segment of their

video as it captures a simple truth of life with raw honesty -- the more you get to know people on a personal level, the better your relationships will be.

And that is the true power of any professional organization - building real connections. 

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to get into the coveted annual Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run.  The course takes you through the magnificent historical Washington scenery at arguably the most beautiful time of year.

 The image I had in my head was me, jogging along the Tidal Basin, Cherry Blossoms in full bloom, on a warm spring day.   

Then I got my training schedule. 
 

It was mid-December.  Early morning temperatures were peaking in the low twenties, and the wind made it feel even colder.  Did I mention my favorite season is summer?  And that I walk around my house every day wearing a brown fleece jacket on TOP of whatever winter outfit I happen to be wearing?  Or that the longest race I've ever done is about 3.2 miles?
 

So what's been getting me out of my warm bed and outside to run?

Two things. 

1. There's a DEADLINE. The race is April 3^rd, and if my pace is any slower than a 14-minute mile, they'll escort me out of the race.  (These folks are serious.)  I'd better be ready to run.
    
2. There's MONEY involved.  I'm raising money to help fight lung cancer and people have donated their hard earned money to support me.  I can't let them down. (Incidentally, if you'd like to learn more, click here.)

Truth be told, once I'm outside running, I get warmer as I go and it feels fantastic at the end of each run knowing I've gone a little farther and am getting in great shape for a worthy cause.

But my point is, if there's something you really want to do, sometimes the two best things you can do to get and stay motivated is put a real deadline on your goal, and as they say, put some "skin in the game."

For some of you, that goal might be finally capturing your parent's life story on video.  Working with a professional is one way to keep that goal - but even having an event to show your video at will give you a deadline and put some money on the line that will propel you forward.  

Just like my pre-running stretches, asking some questions of your honoree is the proverbial warm-up to get you going.  Here are a few that I use when people start working with me.    

• What were some of your greatest accomplishments?
• What were some of your most significant obstacles?
   

Just starting with these two questions alone will get you going and wanting to know more.  And maybe you'll get that same feeling of accomplishment working towards your goal as I do - but hopefully without frostbite on your hands and toes!