How did I convert from being an LA Laker fan for over 20 years to rooting for the Dallas Mavericks? It wasn't because of Mark Cuban, although he's been great. It wasn't because of Dirk, although I love having him on the team. It was because of the Lakers.
The Lakers were a great team and won almost all of the time. They had Magic Johnson as their leader and they played great team ball. Then slowly, but steadily they lost these players. They were still good, but the attitudes changed from team first to me first. I'm not sure who I blame more or Shaq, or the team letting Eddie Jones leave, but I couldn't stand rooting for a team with such selfish players. I literally had no player to root for any longer.
So, for the first and only time in my life I stopped rooting for my favorite team. It was sudden and decisive. I was no longer a Laker fan, but who could I root for. Fortunately for me I have moved to the Dallas area and the folks in Dallas loved the Mavericks. They weren't any good. They were so bad, the announcers would be worried if they only had a 10 point lead during the last few minutes. Of course I've always rooted for the underdog, so it made since to start cheering for the Mavs.
I have to admit it took a few years before I became hooked, but I was certainly a Mavericks fan to anyone who cared to ask. Only after many years of dutifully cheering for this terrible basketball team was my new loyalty rewarded with some success. Although the thing that made me a true Maverick fan was the attitude of the players. The longer I stayed with the team, the more team oriented they seemed to be. The day when Michael Finley stepped aside to let Dirk lead the team was just one example of how they showed teamwork.
Now the Mavericks have ridden their success to nearly the top. I've been disappointed losing first Finely and then Nash. They were keys, not only as skilled players, but also as key role models for how teammates should act. Unlike the Lakers though, the Mavericks continue to bring in players who are team first. They have a great coach, who keeps them centered and focused on playing team ball. Dirk, one of the best players in the NBA, seems to be the most humble superstar on the planet.
I hope that the Mavericks get rewarded for showing us all that working together is the key to success. I would get a lot of satisfaction from their success.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Making a Difference
Often when I'm coaching my sons' basketball teams I feel like I'm not helping anyone get any better at basketball. Fortunately, that's not why I coach. I'm trying to teach these kids about Jesus Christ, and in some cases give them their first exposure to Jesus and how to become a Christian. It gives me a lot more satisfaction when I see behavior improvement in my team than when I see skill improvement.
Not to say that I don't love to see kids learn how to play basketball, but that's not why I'm there. Last year, at the end of the season, a parent came up and let me know that I had helped her son understand how to become a Christian in a way he hadn't understood before. That was a surprise to me, but very satisfying and important.
I'm glad that Upwards basketball gives me a chance to teach kids about God in a fun environment. I'd do it more often if it paid the bills.
Not to say that I don't love to see kids learn how to play basketball, but that's not why I'm there. Last year, at the end of the season, a parent came up and let me know that I had helped her son understand how to become a Christian in a way he hadn't understood before. That was a surprise to me, but very satisfying and important.
I'm glad that Upwards basketball gives me a chance to teach kids about God in a fun environment. I'd do it more often if it paid the bills.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
OK OK -- Maybe I am a bit b---, but...
Apparently I am doing quite a bit. I have a full life. Whatever you want to call it, but I won't say the word. I have been pretty good about answering emails and voice mails and requests for my attention. I haven't given this response begrudgingly. Instead I've enjoyed the fact that the article I read is making me think twice before saying I don't have time.
Does that mean I'm suddenly ahead of schedule on all my tasks? That I'm sitting around looking for the next thing to do? Not exactly. I guess it just means that I'm putting people in front of tasks. I just realize that sometimes a response is just long enough to show respect, but out of necessity kept short. People really do understand when there are other things going on.
I think living this way boils down to providing honest answers to everyone you interact with. It means you try hard not to brush people off with cliches. I say try hard because after a life time of polite excuses it isn't easy to just give up on it.
Let me know what you've done to prevent the activities in your life from interfering with life.
Does that mean I'm suddenly ahead of schedule on all my tasks? That I'm sitting around looking for the next thing to do? Not exactly. I guess it just means that I'm putting people in front of tasks. I just realize that sometimes a response is just long enough to show respect, but out of necessity kept short. People really do understand when there are other things going on.
I think living this way boils down to providing honest answers to everyone you interact with. It means you try hard not to brush people off with cliches. I say try hard because after a life time of polite excuses it isn't easy to just give up on it.
Let me know what you've done to prevent the activities in your life from interfering with life.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Maybe I'm not so busy
I was traveling this week and while flying home I read a couple articles in "AmericanWay," the American Airlines magazine. In this Jan 2007 edition, Jim Shahin writes a very entertaining article on being busy. While entertaining, it is also very insightful. My favorite line is, "...the basis for civilized society rests in allowing for acceptable fabrication." The context of this line is that we all say how busy we are as a convenient way to avoid doing something else we are asked to do, or as a way to avoid responding to voice mails or emails. The other person is supposed to graciously accept this as your polite way of saying, you're not important enough for me to pause and help out. Another way he says the same thing is "polite mendacity lubricates the machinery of human interaction." Wow! I'm not sure what mendacity means (asked my wife -- lying), but he comments (tongue in cheek) that without overlooking our poor excuses we are " no better than most animals."
While I have to agree with why many of us say we are busy, it is clear that Jim doesn't approve. Neither should we!
I have never been more busy in my working life than I have been over the last 18 months or so. I've put in more time, had more emails, gone to more meetings, and traveled more in the last 6 months than during my entire 15 year career prior to that (no joke). I look back and see how many times I have said how busy I am, and stopped to talk about how busy I am. Again, looking back, I realize that many of the times the subject came up I was either asking for help, or trying to avoid giving it. I stand chastised! For Jim's article is primarily about what a poor excuse being busy is. He gives a great example about an encounter he had with Lee Atwater, and states that if Lee had the time to not be too-busy, then no one can use the excuse. At least they can't use it validly.
So, what am I going to do about it! It is still January. So, I'm going to resolve to not to be less busy, but to not let my busyness stop me from being a responsive and helpful person. It is too easy to say I'm busy, and in doing so avoid getting things done.
While I have to agree with why many of us say we are busy, it is clear that Jim doesn't approve. Neither should we!
I have never been more busy in my working life than I have been over the last 18 months or so. I've put in more time, had more emails, gone to more meetings, and traveled more in the last 6 months than during my entire 15 year career prior to that (no joke). I look back and see how many times I have said how busy I am, and stopped to talk about how busy I am. Again, looking back, I realize that many of the times the subject came up I was either asking for help, or trying to avoid giving it. I stand chastised! For Jim's article is primarily about what a poor excuse being busy is. He gives a great example about an encounter he had with Lee Atwater, and states that if Lee had the time to not be too-busy, then no one can use the excuse. At least they can't use it validly.
So, what am I going to do about it! It is still January. So, I'm going to resolve to not to be less busy, but to not let my busyness stop me from being a responsive and helpful person. It is too easy to say I'm busy, and in doing so avoid getting things done.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
New England Finds a way to Win - I Find More in Life
As a life long San Diego Charger fan I was feeling pretty bad after the Chargers lost. It is bad enough having your team lose, but when the team is so promising it feels even worse.
Soon after the game, the family pulled out our latest Ga'Hoole book for our reading time. I sat back listening, but also contemplated the loss. Soon though, I realized that I was letting a game (important as it was) intrude on a special family time. When that struck me, I was disappointed in myself for valuing this game so highly. I decided to take my turn reading a chapter, and wound up enjoying the reading time with my family even more because of my little mental victory over the football disappointment.
I don't want to minimize the loss many loyal fans feel when their favorite team loses, but it is just a game. These games are meant to entertain, and this game was entertaining. I hope all football fans, whether they win or lose, can remember to value the daily things of life more.
Today at church our pastor's sermon was about valuing Today, the present. It was a little like a seize-the-day sermon. Although he never said those words. The sermon struck a chord with me, as I am looking for something to be more passionate about. I guess today I decided to be more passionate about my family than I am about football. If I can make that a true statement (instead of just some words in my blog), then I will have become a better person.
Of course, I still would like to find something more exciting to be passionate about, like endurance running. If family is my passion, what should I do to act on that? How can someone be more passionate about their family? How can that make a difference in the world? Am I just copping out, picking a passion that I can't avoid? Something that has no real way to measure progress or success?
Maybe I am. Either way, there's no harm in working to be a better father and husband. I can still look for other passions. As Dean Karnazes showed, family may be the one thing that truely allows you to achieve your passion.
Soon after the game, the family pulled out our latest Ga'Hoole book for our reading time. I sat back listening, but also contemplated the loss. Soon though, I realized that I was letting a game (important as it was) intrude on a special family time. When that struck me, I was disappointed in myself for valuing this game so highly. I decided to take my turn reading a chapter, and wound up enjoying the reading time with my family even more because of my little mental victory over the football disappointment.
I don't want to minimize the loss many loyal fans feel when their favorite team loses, but it is just a game. These games are meant to entertain, and this game was entertaining. I hope all football fans, whether they win or lose, can remember to value the daily things of life more.
Today at church our pastor's sermon was about valuing Today, the present. It was a little like a seize-the-day sermon. Although he never said those words. The sermon struck a chord with me, as I am looking for something to be more passionate about. I guess today I decided to be more passionate about my family than I am about football. If I can make that a true statement (instead of just some words in my blog), then I will have become a better person.
Of course, I still would like to find something more exciting to be passionate about, like endurance running. If family is my passion, what should I do to act on that? How can someone be more passionate about their family? How can that make a difference in the world? Am I just copping out, picking a passion that I can't avoid? Something that has no real way to measure progress or success?
Maybe I am. Either way, there's no harm in working to be a better father and husband. I can still look for other passions. As Dean Karnazes showed, family may be the one thing that truely allows you to achieve your passion.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
One and One...or maybe not
Today both my boys played in their first basketball games of the new season. They play in Upward basketball, and I coach both their teams. Now I'm not much of a basketball coach, but I believe I fit the mold of an Upward coach. This is a league with special rules that emphasize team play and giving everyone a chance to play. Those are things I wish every league would value, and I always emphasize. At the same time the kids are learning about basketball, the coaches take time to teach them about God and how to come to know him. Like I said, a perfect fit for what I like about sports.
That said, the league does keep score for the older kids. Although they don't keep win-loss records for any age. Of course, even if the league doesn't keep score for some younger teams or standings, all the kids and many parents know the score. So, I'm one-and-one.
My younger son's team started out the day getting whipped by the opposition. I felt bad that they couldn't be more competitive, and even a little guilty that maybe I hadn't prepared them. At the same time, I felt good that each boy did play a fair amount of time. They all got an opportunity to touch the ball and be involved in the game. The other team just played better. So the day started 0 and 1.
Later in the day, my older son's team whipped their opposition. I was informed after the game that this was the first time my older son's team had ever won (in any season of basketball)! Once again, I was most pleased that the boys played their best, each had a fair opportunity to contribute, and played with good attitudes. I was also openly proud of my son, as he played his best game ever. While he's not the best player on the team, he has learned to play with his strengths. 1 and 1, or maybe 2 and 0 (2 feel good games to none).
That said, the league does keep score for the older kids. Although they don't keep win-loss records for any age. Of course, even if the league doesn't keep score for some younger teams or standings, all the kids and many parents know the score. So, I'm one-and-one.
My younger son's team started out the day getting whipped by the opposition. I felt bad that they couldn't be more competitive, and even a little guilty that maybe I hadn't prepared them. At the same time, I felt good that each boy did play a fair amount of time. They all got an opportunity to touch the ball and be involved in the game. The other team just played better. So the day started 0 and 1.
Later in the day, my older son's team whipped their opposition. I was informed after the game that this was the first time my older son's team had ever won (in any season of basketball)! Once again, I was most pleased that the boys played their best, each had a fair opportunity to contribute, and played with good attitudes. I was also openly proud of my son, as he played his best game ever. While he's not the best player on the team, he has learned to play with his strengths. 1 and 1, or maybe 2 and 0 (2 feel good games to none).
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Press On
This morning in our church service we sang a song we've sung many times, Press On. The verses talk about times when things are difficult and we're worn out. Then the chorus says "In Jesus' name, we press on." I find this so applicable in work and with my family -- really in all areas of life, but never more literally than when I'm running in a race or doing a long run.
There are always many opportunities to quit. This song encourages us to remember that through Jesus we can continue.
There are always many opportunities to quit. This song encourages us to remember that through Jesus we can continue.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Quote from Ga'Hoole
My family and I are reading this brilliant book series, Guardians of Ga'Hoole. Often the author's characters say insightful things. Here's one I thought was particularly good.
"I don't think real friends are jealous" - Primrose the Pygmie Owl (book 5 The Shattering)
"I don't think real friends are jealous" - Primrose the Pygmie Owl (book 5 The Shattering)
My Favorite Race Story
I apologize ahead of time for this longer post, but sometimes you just gotta be verbose. So...
Background:
I had been running for a couple years and started running in some longer distance races. The day after each race, I would scan the newspaper for the results. With my ego leading the way I would check to see how I placed, not only in my age catagory, but also against all the other age groups men and women (I know, pretty focused on me). The bottom line of this part of my tale is this, in the longer races there was always some women in the 60+ age group that beat me. I would tell me friends and myself, "if I ever saw that woman I sure wouldn't let her beat me" (ego, ego, ego).
Fast Forward to 1st Marathon:
So after going through a beginners Runners' World marathon training plan, I was prepared to complete in my 1st marathon. My main goal was to finish, but a stretch goal was to beat 4 hours. I was running with the friend I had trained with and we planned to stick together, this was the first marathon for both of us.
Everything was going fine for about 20 miles and then as many people have in the past, I hit a wall. I won't say THE WALL, but it was too big for me to continue at that pace. I slowed down and for a while my friend did as well. I was finally able to encourage him to leave me behind, as he for some reason was able to dodge the wall that hit me and felt great.
At this slower pace my will to complete this marathon never wavered, I may not beat 4 hours, but I would finish. At some point I really started to enjoy myself. I cheered on other runners as I passed them and even as they passed me. I didn't care. At one point an older woman passed me who was being cheered by several on the sidelines, "Go, Mary". As she passed I heartily cheered her on too, truely hoping to encourage her. Then my words came back to me, "If I ever saw that woman I sure wouldn't let her beat me."
Moment of Truth:
Ok, ok, I know what your thinking. Did this guy really get motivated by a senior woman passing him in a marathon? Absolutely! I decided it was time to put up or shut up. So, I picked it up a little and quickly passed her back. With her clearly in my rear view I stopped at the next aid station for a drink. Upon getting started again I was startled to see she had passed me by during my break. No more aid stations for me. If she can skip them, so could I. I couldn't let her to slip by and beat me. So I picked it up and passed her again.
And the Winner Is:
That was the last I saw of Mary. I was able to hold or increase my pace all the way to the end. I had done it. I won:) Of course the next day I checked the paper and sure enough, a few minutes behind my time was Mary, champion of the 60+ women. So I had beaten all women over 60 (check that box). On top of that, I beat my 4 hour goal (3:54). I'm pretty sure that if Mary hadn't come along I wouldn't have. So, I am very grateful for Mary. I'm also grateful and surprised that at mile 22 of a marathon I remembered my jestful boast and allowed it to drive me on. Whatever it takes!:)
Background:
I had been running for a couple years and started running in some longer distance races. The day after each race, I would scan the newspaper for the results. With my ego leading the way I would check to see how I placed, not only in my age catagory, but also against all the other age groups men and women (I know, pretty focused on me). The bottom line of this part of my tale is this, in the longer races there was always some women in the 60+ age group that beat me. I would tell me friends and myself, "if I ever saw that woman I sure wouldn't let her beat me" (ego, ego, ego).
Fast Forward to 1st Marathon:
So after going through a beginners Runners' World marathon training plan, I was prepared to complete in my 1st marathon. My main goal was to finish, but a stretch goal was to beat 4 hours. I was running with the friend I had trained with and we planned to stick together, this was the first marathon for both of us.
Everything was going fine for about 20 miles and then as many people have in the past, I hit a wall. I won't say THE WALL, but it was too big for me to continue at that pace. I slowed down and for a while my friend did as well. I was finally able to encourage him to leave me behind, as he for some reason was able to dodge the wall that hit me and felt great.
At this slower pace my will to complete this marathon never wavered, I may not beat 4 hours, but I would finish. At some point I really started to enjoy myself. I cheered on other runners as I passed them and even as they passed me. I didn't care. At one point an older woman passed me who was being cheered by several on the sidelines, "Go, Mary". As she passed I heartily cheered her on too, truely hoping to encourage her. Then my words came back to me, "If I ever saw that woman I sure wouldn't let her beat me."
Moment of Truth:
Ok, ok, I know what your thinking. Did this guy really get motivated by a senior woman passing him in a marathon? Absolutely! I decided it was time to put up or shut up. So, I picked it up a little and quickly passed her back. With her clearly in my rear view I stopped at the next aid station for a drink. Upon getting started again I was startled to see she had passed me by during my break. No more aid stations for me. If she can skip them, so could I. I couldn't let her to slip by and beat me. So I picked it up and passed her again.
And the Winner Is:
That was the last I saw of Mary. I was able to hold or increase my pace all the way to the end. I had done it. I won:) Of course the next day I checked the paper and sure enough, a few minutes behind my time was Mary, champion of the 60+ women. So I had beaten all women over 60 (check that box). On top of that, I beat my 4 hour goal (3:54). I'm pretty sure that if Mary hadn't come along I wouldn't have. So, I am very grateful for Mary. I'm also grateful and surprised that at mile 22 of a marathon I remembered my jestful boast and allowed it to drive me on. Whatever it takes!:)
Rotary Resolution 5k
Today the whole family ran the Rotary Resolution 5k, all except the youngest who ran the 1k fun run. Our youngest did very well in the 1k. Probably setting a new PR for him.
I planned to run alone, while my wife and older son would run mostly together. This was the first run I would be using a 201 Garmin Forerunner on and I was a little excited about that. I programmed in a virtual runner to run a 5k race in 21:50. I had run my last 5k in 21:15, but hadn't run in a bit so I took off a few seconds.
Unfortunately, I needed to take off quite a few more. I did fairly well through the first half of the race. Although I did notice that it seemed I was breathing too for this pace! Of course that's because I was running to hard for my recent training. Once I got to 2 miles, I hit the moment of truth...and decided it wasn't worth it today. I slowed dramatically to about an 8:30 pace and strolled. Of course I was hoping to pick it up after I felt better, but I never really felt that good:(
The bottom line was that I turned in a very poor time for me >24. Normally I know my exact time, but honestly I don't really want to remember this race. EXCEPT as I come up with a new resolution. I resolve to not run that slow again for the rest of the year (when I'm racing). Of course that means I'll have to start making time to train and eat right, but those are all things I love to do.
At end of all races each car is blessed with several flyers for upcoming races. Well, this time the flyers were helpful. I intend to run in each of the 3 races that were left on my window. I'll let you know how the runs go.
I planned to run alone, while my wife and older son would run mostly together. This was the first run I would be using a 201 Garmin Forerunner on and I was a little excited about that. I programmed in a virtual runner to run a 5k race in 21:50. I had run my last 5k in 21:15, but hadn't run in a bit so I took off a few seconds.
Unfortunately, I needed to take off quite a few more. I did fairly well through the first half of the race. Although I did notice that it seemed I was breathing too for this pace! Of course that's because I was running to hard for my recent training. Once I got to 2 miles, I hit the moment of truth...and decided it wasn't worth it today. I slowed dramatically to about an 8:30 pace and strolled. Of course I was hoping to pick it up after I felt better, but I never really felt that good:(
The bottom line was that I turned in a very poor time for me >24. Normally I know my exact time, but honestly I don't really want to remember this race. EXCEPT as I come up with a new resolution. I resolve to not run that slow again for the rest of the year (when I'm racing). Of course that means I'll have to start making time to train and eat right, but those are all things I love to do.
At end of all races each car is blessed with several flyers for upcoming races. Well, this time the flyers were helpful. I intend to run in each of the 3 races that were left on my window. I'll let you know how the runs go.
Friday, January 5, 2007
What is KHET?
My older son received a gift from my parents named Khet. It came in an interesting and technologically appropriate packaging. Upon closer investigation, we discovered it was a game and better yet a LASER game. How cool is that a game that uses lasers, with no running.
I have come to call it laser chess, as it is a addictive strategy game with obelisks, pyrimids, djeds, and a pharoh. Similar to chess, the goal of the game is to capture the opponents pharoh. In truth the similarities are more in the feel of the game than the actual playing of it. The rules are much simpler, although much like chess the difficulty is in what you do with the rules.
After each move in the game, the player who moved his piece fires his laser. This is where it gets interesting. The laser bounces off of the face of the certain pieces. If at the end of its path if strikes a piece, that piece is lost. This is true regardless of who's piece is struck. If the pharoh is struck, the game is over. This means that you can kill your own piece and even lose the game on your turn. Believe me, this can and does happen!
I highly recommend this game for any family looking for a change-up from chess or checkers or as an introduction to strategy games. Kids will love the lasers and how the different pieces cause the laser to bend through the game. It is a satisfying feeling when you begin to guess correctly where the laser will go after your move, and quite funny when it takes an unexpected turn. Have fun.
I have come to call it laser chess, as it is a addictive strategy game with obelisks, pyrimids, djeds, and a pharoh. Similar to chess, the goal of the game is to capture the opponents pharoh. In truth the similarities are more in the feel of the game than the actual playing of it. The rules are much simpler, although much like chess the difficulty is in what you do with the rules.
After each move in the game, the player who moved his piece fires his laser. This is where it gets interesting. The laser bounces off of the face of the certain pieces. If at the end of its path if strikes a piece, that piece is lost. This is true regardless of who's piece is struck. If the pharoh is struck, the game is over. This means that you can kill your own piece and even lose the game on your turn. Believe me, this can and does happen!
I highly recommend this game for any family looking for a change-up from chess or checkers or as an introduction to strategy games. Kids will love the lasers and how the different pieces cause the laser to bend through the game. It is a satisfying feeling when you begin to guess correctly where the laser will go after your move, and quite funny when it takes an unexpected turn. Have fun.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Dark Morning - literally
I had to get up a little earlier today. Tuesday of this week I went back to work, but since I had vacationed in CA, my mental clock was still on PST. That means I was sleeping in and getting to work about 9.
Today, the kids went back to school and in order to get them up and ready I got up closer to 6. While I admit that isn't very early, it was early to me today. To add to the early morning, we were out of milk so I drove out to the store and picked up a few gallons. It wasn't until I was on my way home that it struck me...IT IS STILL DARK! Once again, I realize this is no surprise to most, but it caught me of guard. I couldn't stand that it was still dark after I had already been up for over an hour. How dare it be dark, was all I could think. Looking back now that seems silly, but I really enjoy the sun and summertime.
Fortunately, our shortest day is behind us and we're marching towards longer and longer days (Yipee!). I guess I'll have to get over dark mornings though for at least a few months.
Today, the kids went back to school and in order to get them up and ready I got up closer to 6. While I admit that isn't very early, it was early to me today. To add to the early morning, we were out of milk so I drove out to the store and picked up a few gallons. It wasn't until I was on my way home that it struck me...IT IS STILL DARK! Once again, I realize this is no surprise to most, but it caught me of guard. I couldn't stand that it was still dark after I had already been up for over an hour. How dare it be dark, was all I could think. Looking back now that seems silly, but I really enjoy the sun and summertime.
Fortunately, our shortest day is behind us and we're marching towards longer and longer days (Yipee!). I guess I'll have to get over dark mornings though for at least a few months.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Ultramarathon Man...Passion
I recently read Dean Karnazes' book about his start and life as an ultra marathon runner. I finished the book in a couple days, which is quick for me and shows this was a real page turner. I enjoyed the personal look at his life and the detailed descriptions of some crucial moments or turning points in his life.
My first thought after reading it (and even during the read) was that I should become a ultra marathoner too. His writing was pretty good, but it was the motivational message that caught my attention. After a couple days of thinking on his story and letting the message settle in a bit, I realized that the message was intended to inspire each of us to determine or find our passion and go after it like Dean has rather than going after his passion. Not that I won't become an ultramarathoner, but I should make sure that my heart is in it.
Much like Dean, I have enjoyed a good life. My faith and family and job give me joy and satisfaction, but I haven't done what I was put here for. I haven't reached my potential. I haven't found something to be passionate about, or else I just haven't been passionate about what I've done.
I did married a very passionate woman. Passion was what attracted me to her and what has inspired me to do much of what I have done, but I cannot claim her passion as my own, and she cannot apply her passion to my life. No... passion is something you have to find for yourself. Passion is visible and attractive, but it doesn't come without cost. Maybe to have passion you have to be willing to make sacrifices, to trade something, to work harder. It appears that Dean took that approach, and it clearly worked for him.
I guess that's what I saw in Dean's book. It's a story about passion. He does a wonderful job describing his passion and sharing it with us.
As this is a new year, I'll make it a goal or resolution of mine to become a person of passion. I will start by finding something I enjoy, or that I feel is important, and diving into it. I'll let you know what comes up.
I highly recommend reading Ultramarathon Man. Hopefully it will inspire you as well. Thanks Dean for the inspiration.
My first thought after reading it (and even during the read) was that I should become a ultra marathoner too. His writing was pretty good, but it was the motivational message that caught my attention. After a couple days of thinking on his story and letting the message settle in a bit, I realized that the message was intended to inspire each of us to determine or find our passion and go after it like Dean has rather than going after his passion. Not that I won't become an ultramarathoner, but I should make sure that my heart is in it.
Much like Dean, I have enjoyed a good life. My faith and family and job give me joy and satisfaction, but I haven't done what I was put here for. I haven't reached my potential. I haven't found something to be passionate about, or else I just haven't been passionate about what I've done.
I did married a very passionate woman. Passion was what attracted me to her and what has inspired me to do much of what I have done, but I cannot claim her passion as my own, and she cannot apply her passion to my life. No... passion is something you have to find for yourself. Passion is visible and attractive, but it doesn't come without cost. Maybe to have passion you have to be willing to make sacrifices, to trade something, to work harder. It appears that Dean took that approach, and it clearly worked for him.
I guess that's what I saw in Dean's book. It's a story about passion. He does a wonderful job describing his passion and sharing it with us.
As this is a new year, I'll make it a goal or resolution of mine to become a person of passion. I will start by finding something I enjoy, or that I feel is important, and diving into it. I'll let you know what comes up.
I highly recommend reading Ultramarathon Man. Hopefully it will inspire you as well. Thanks Dean for the inspiration.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)