When I feel like being lazy, I think about having 21 gold medals in one Senior Games at the age of 76.

When I don't want to study, I think about getting a degree in electrical engineer while playing football at the University of South Carolina in 1958.

When I get homesick, I think about being away from my family, including my newborn, during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

All of this describes my grandfather, Walter Lancaster.

When he was young, his father died suddenly, leaving him to be the only son to take care of his mom and two sisters. This truly motivated him to push himself to not only stay active, but to also make the most of the time that he has.

This past week, he won 18 medals at the South Carolina Senior Sports Classic. In his lifetime, he has won over 150 gold, 50 silver and 25 bronze medals. He runs, swims and throws to the best of his ability, no matter the day or the setback it may bring.

It's not the medals that inspire me the most. It is his determination and self-discipline, all mixed with a good attitude, that makes me look up to my granddad. He has had back pain for as long as I can remember. Most people would not do what he does with the kind of pain that he deals with every day. But he pushes through it.

He provides for my grandmother as well as his children and grandchildren to the best of his ability. He pushes himself.

Motivation is something that I find I can easily lack. It is far easier to skip going on a run to be lazy. It is far easier to take the easy path these days. So if you need inspiration today to be the best that you can be regardless of what setbacks may come your way, maybe this will motivate you. Stay active, be healthy, love those around you and push yourself to be the best that you can be because life is short.