“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”.
Steve Prefontaine
I can fondly remember sitting in front of the TV as a 17 year old and watching Dave Wottle win the Gold Medal in the 800 meter run at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Wottle made running with a golf cap hip and I have always found this race to be an inspiration in my own journey as that race serves as a metaphor for all of the races that we run in during our lifetime. As professional coaches, we enjoy the sacred privilege of being able to run alongside our clients in whatever race they may be running in, whether it’s a 5K or the NYC Marathon, a marriage or significant relationship, starting a new business, navigating their career path especially in times of transition, raising their children, finding new purpose when the empty nest hits home, caring for their aging parents, or their own spiritual journey. In all of those life races, common patterns emerge. Sometimes, we start the race with lots of enthusiasm but we go too fast and our muscles, both mental and physical, get tired and we find ourselves falling behind where we thought we might be. We might even lose hope and decide to quit the race.
But, the best runners — whether its Dave Wottle or another favorite of mine, Steve Prefontaine — they don’t give up and they always keep their eyes on the finish line because they know they must finish the race. They know how easy it is to start the race but to finish the race is a different story and is largely determined by the preparation and the expectations that we bring to the race itself. The best runners finish the race because they took the time to anticipate some of the dangers, the pitfalls, and the obstacles that are likely to come up along the way. They don’t ever overreact to the present moment, but instead, make whatever midcourse adjustments are appropriate.
So, whatever race you may be running in — especially if it’s the search for a new job or a different career path — keep your eyes on the finish line and ask God for the grace and the strength to finish your race.
Blessings to all of my fellow coaches, clients, and colleagues, Dr. K
