DIY Homeschooler

Ten tips from the track: staying focused, drawing support, getting the right inputs, keeping a steady pace, and more! (A homeschool analogy from the track.)

Table of Contents

• 1. Stay focused.
• 2. Wear the right clothing.
• 3. Get the right inputs.
• 4. Keep a steady pace.
• 5. Be ready for inclement weather.
• 6. Avoid the obstacles.
• 7. Don’t try to improve others.
• 8. Don’t seek the accolades.
• 9. Enjoy the run.
• 10. Run through the finish.

1. Stay focused.

Never look around you to see how others are doing. Keep the finish line clearly in view. (Philippians 3:14)

2. Wear the right clothing.

You need all of the support you can get. (Ephesians 6:10-17).

3. Get the right inputs.

The sudden adrenaline boost of a Snickers and a Mountain Dew will only take you so far. Stay well fed and hydrated. (Matthew 4:4)

4. Keep a steady pace.

If you start out too fast, you’ll have a hard time getting to the finish line. Conversely, if you store it all up for the end, you’ll never have enough race left to spend that hoarded reserve. (Luke 12:17–21)

5. Be ready for inclement weather.

Real runners run — in hot; in cold; in rain, snow, ice, sleet; and, yes, even a light hail storm. The track isn’t always the best. Don’t expect perfect conditions. (James 1:2–4)

6. Avoid the obstacles.

The ones we put in our own way are usually the hardest to get around. (Hebrews 12:1)

7. Don’t try to improve others.

You have enough to do simply running your own race. (Romans 14:4)

8. Don’t seek the accolades.

Awards, PBs, ribbons, and trophies only go so far. Run a good race. The accolades will come. (Matthew 25:23)

9. Enjoy the run.

That’s the only motivation that lasts. Those who don’t enjoy running quit. (Romans 15:13)

10. Run through the finish.

Never slow up until you’re on the other side. (Matthew 24:13)