Gordo's Excellence AdventureHave you ever heard, thought or said...
As an athlete/coach these would have to be some of the most common statements that I hear. I always want to ask the person one thing... WHY?!
Why are we all chasing the Goddess of Speed? What does she have that is so special? You know, I have had the good fortune to be able to interview and train with some pretty quick people over the last two years and I have yet to hear one of them say, "You know, Gordo, I think I am fast enough." Why is that? What is driving all of us? Naturally, I have been thinking about just that and have some things that I want to share with you. For me, it's not about speed at all. Speed is a by-product that comes from a total commitment to excellence, to realizing one's potential. To see just what can be achieved, to push one's boundaries. The quest for excellence can be a very fulfilling occupation. I've got this little sign that sits on my dashboard. All it says is "The Best". At first I was a little shy about having this sign in my car. I'd take it down at night and when I knew people would be driving with me the next day. You see, I wanted it to say, "Excellence" but that word was too long for my dashboard. So I settled for "The Best". Those two words can mean a lot of different things. Some might think it means that I want to win a big race. That might be fun but I am still not sure if I have the talent or desire to make the necessary sacrifices. Indeed, part of me has this fear that I might realise the true nature of life and decide that I am "fast enough" (call it fear of enlightenment). I do see the irony of flailing ourselves in the name of fitness -- it's just that I love the training too much and it really is a blast to redline for a few hours. However, self-acceptance and moving towards a calmer existence is also very liberating. Not sure if it does much for your times, but it has miraculous effects on your quality of life and your relationships with those around you. It might be quite a bit of fun to be "fast enough" to race pro and head out to enjoy myself at the races. Of course, I am enjoying myself right now, so I guess there is no real benefit to changing. Someday, it might become a little too hard and then I'll need to decide on backing off. Tinley's "fast enough" -- I wonder if he feels that way. His writing seems to swing back and forth. Probably like the rest of us -- except he swings in public. Back to my little sign. For me, excellence is not perfection. I think to strive for perfection would be pretty frustrating. For me, excellence is doing your best "right now" and accepting yourself whether or not you achieve it. It's very tough to do and requires constant focus. Maybe it will get easier with practice. So maybe the question is, "How good can I be?" How far, how fast, how high -- how happy, how joyful, how wise. There is neither an answer nor a limit but it's sure fun to live the question. gordo - 13 May 2001 |