I had an interesting conversation with a friend who read today’s post about the half marathon. “Marshall, I can’t run. My knees won’t allow me. So while I enjoyed your post, that will never be me.”
I thought for a second (I didn’t have enough caffeine in me to lubricate my brain, so it took me a second to respond.) This is what I said:
“I’m a pretty unlikely runner — I’m more of a clydesdale than a racehorse. But I completely understand. Just pretend that the half marathon is a metaphor. A metaphor for setting a seemingly tough goal and blowing it out of the water. We all have greatness in us. Instead of running, it could be you doubling your sales calls for the month. Or it could be finding a way to feed 20 families. You can do 30 random kind things for strangers in a month or write a thank-you note a day. You could go back to school and earn your MBA. When I turned the corner and rushed the finish line, I got a burst of adrenaline. When you complete your huge goal, you will, too.”
My friend looked at me for a moment like I was full of it (I get that look a lot) but then something kicked in. I could tell he understood what I was saying. Who knows what his big goal is. But I have complete faith once he starts pursing it, he’ll change his world for the good.
