Pursuit is Purpose

I keep coming back to this concept that the end state is not the purpose. It is one of those concepts that you read on a motivational poster and think wow, that is so true, but then you continue to get stressed about the end state. We just quite simply need to enjoy the journey. If we are going to spend our days pursuing an objective, then we better figure out how to really appreciate the pursuit. I do not know about you, but whenever I do actually achieve something, the moment of elation fades quickly and I am already seeking for the next thing to chase.

What if we picked an ambition that was just never achievable? Would we not then be forced, due to the shear futility of the aim, be reconciled to the process of getting there instead? I want to be an awesome ultra marathon runner, what if instead of setting my goal to just finish one race, I set my goal to win the most premier race? Like the Western States 100. There is just no possible way that will happen. There is no way that I am going to beat these young, athletic, light and fast men and women that can dance through the mountains like rocky mountain sheep. It just will not happen. However, what if instead, I just really enjoyed trying anyway?

I just really enjoyed trying anyway. Can you say that about your current endeavor, whatever it maybe? Do you enjoy the attempt? Do you relish in the failure? Do you look forward to the struggle of the day, the previous moments of exquisite pain and you fight, fight, fight your way through?

Something tells me that this is an attitude adjustment that separates people like me from the souls who actually do win those big races, or achieve those other lofty ambitions, whatever they maybe. You have to love the process, the good and the bad. Appreciate the time you have. Jump up and down like a little kid at the awesome moments and cry like a baby at the tough times but all the while love the life you are leading because the pursuit is actually your purpose. To hell with the end.

If you spend your time with your kids, looking to when you finally get them out of your house, you will miss the moments that really count. If you spend your time at work, looking for the time when you no longer will need to work, then you will work all the time. There will be no end so you might as well learn to enjoy it, because that is probably the only way you will ever become good enough to no longer need to work. You can look forward toward that time when you pass that big test, get that big degree, buy that big house but if you do not enjoy the process, you probably will not enjoy the result. Makes logical sense right?

Enjoy the process and thereby you will enjoy the results. Hate the process, and despise the result. This is an attitude adjustment that I need to be more successful. I keep looking forward to the glory of achieving something spectacular, only to find that I will never get there because I hate the pursuit of it. What I need to do is learn to enjoy the pursuit and thereby find that achievement comes easily and as a by product or consequence of my lifetime pursuit.

Sorry, I am not there yet. Long way off. However, it helps to write the words – pursuit is my purpose.

Guy Reams (628)

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