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ABSOLUTELY HARD

Sunday Jan. 3, 2016

 

Why is best important?

Anything less doesn’t test us much, does it?

Not to be better.

But best.

At anything.

At something …

Worthy BHAGs … big, hairy, audacious goals.

Get to best – then work even harder, be more innovative, more relentless than ever. Stay on top. Not talking about winners – Olympic gold, Pulitzer, Nobel, or Giller. Or tallest trophies. Not talking about Oprah Winfrey or Stephen King. Or Ali, Andretti, Hemingway, Hitchens or Jobs. Getting to the top, staying on top, constant, perennial winner.

I’m talking about you.

Yes, you.

About me too.

I loved interviewing Diane Jones Konihowski, discussing her career – being best in world at her sport that year – peaking in every aspect, poised for Olympic Gold. Denied (boycotted Moscow Olympics), didn’t get hers. Instead of a lint-covered medal in some drawer she holds something better – experiencing being best, trained, strained, prepared. Not giving up. Not settling. Her palpable attitude and confidence endures. I found that so inspiring, perhaps most inspiring person I’ve interviewed.

What is the BHAG takeaway message for me, for you?

Everything inspirational should have a good takeaway message.

What is it here?

Knowing we are capable is important, but proving we are is what matters most – not because we prove to the world, or anyone else. Because we prove to ourselves.

We CAN be best at anything we choose.

Don’t start small.

Start big. Lofty hard to reach goals. Admirable goals. Want to be best sprinter, punter, novelist, chemist, medalist? No. Go higher, loftier. Try best friend. Best mom/dad. Best follower. Best leader. Kindest. Most hopeful.

You see, it’s not hard.

It is absolutely hard.

 

Mark Kolke

written / published from Calgary, AB

morning walk:  -13C/9F, clear skies again (mountain views yesterday were awesome!), Gusta making a sport methinks of dropping her poop in the deepest snow just to make me happy … streets are quiet, traffic noise dull … must be a Sunday 


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