Every day we have one of two choices...either we're choosing to live with intention or we're choosing to put in time until we die. It's that simple. Choose to LIVE!
On the very long flight to Australia, I read Tom Jordan's book "Pre", on the life of running legend Steve Prefontaine. I've referenced Steve's "mantra" quote in previous blogs..."To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the GIFT". For Steve, the GIFT was his ability and talent to run. Steve's life came to a tragic end in 1975 at the young age of 24, but he left a legacy during his short time here on earth...."Some people create with words, or with music, or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say "I've never seen anyone run like that before"....it's more than just a race, it's style. It's doing something better than anyone else." Pre ran every race hard, as if he had something to prove and little time to prove it. For him, the gift was not something handed to him, but something that had to be pursued with tenacity and diligence. While he acknowledged that he was a good runner, he sincerely believed that many others had been born with more running talent than he; that everything achieved had been due to hard work and always giving his best. Pre never just put in time. He was intentional about everything he did. He awoke every morning and hit the road running by 6AM. No exceptions. No excuses. He knew what he wanted. To be the best. He knew that if he out-worked his competition, he'd have a fighting chance at beating those more talented than he. Steve's example resonates with me. I'm not the most talented guy in the world. I'm not the fastest or smartest. But I will endeavor to out-work you. I want to be that same example with my life, for others, that Pre was and still is for me. There's no secret to success in any desired field.....Know what you want, ensure it is your life's Passion, and then work harder and stay laser-focused on being the best in your chosen vocation. Be intentional about everything you do. Live with Purpose. And Passion. Live life OUT LOUD.
"I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stilled by dry rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow,
than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The proper function of a man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time. " - Jack London
BELIEVE!
PHIL 4:13
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