Living in Ohio I have learned that at this time of year I truly appreciate days like today.  As I set out on what could be one of my last bike rides without cold weather gear, I was completely focused on enjoying the experience.  As I was thoroughly enjoying the sun, sights, smells, and strong autumnal energy, I was shifted back into reality by the familiar sound of a vehicle.   Not a car or an even more common 4×4 truck, but an equally familiar tractor.  As my awareness increased, I realized it was behind me and gaining ground.  I regularly need to navigate farm vehicles in my SUV, but this was a new experience.  As I increased my speed to ensure it stayed behind me, I momentarily thought of my childhood experiences on our farm and the how slow the tractors were.  But this was today, and 30 years of tractor technology was quickly gaining on me.

I would like to say the stop sign at the approaching intersection bailed me out, but the truth is I was passed, by the tractor, as I was moving at about 22 mph while going uphill.

As I turned at the intersection, ironically behind another tractor, the first non-farm implement thought in my head was actor Will Smith’s quote:

“I’m not afraid to die on a treadmill. I will not be outworked. I will run. Period. You may have more talent than me, you might be smarter than me, you might be sexier and all those things, but if we get on the treadmill, then you are going to get off first or I am going to die. It’s that simple.”

As you reflect on the quote, I would like you to think about your life, and what mode of transportation you are using.  If you are searching for your purpose or passion, or have goals and aspirations you are moving towards, an important question to consider is, “How am I getting there?”  In this case the “how” is about the effort, pace, determination, and commitment.

Have you started out walking, did you move to a jog, are you thinking about how fast you will run as your vision becomes clear?

But is that good enough for you?  My 11-year old daughter frequently reminds me that when she turns 16, a car like her brothers ’08 Civic is not going to work for her, she absolutely must have a lime green Lamborghini.

Have you thought about what it will look like when you arrive at your, purpose, dream, or goal?

Will you walk or jog up completely intact, barely out of breath, much later than you had planned, barely ahead of the tractor?

Or, will you arrive at your ultimate purpose, dream of dreams, and life-long passion, at the perfect time,…crashing in, with a lime green streak, pedal to the metal, engine racing, tireless rims sparking, and doors blown off?

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming — WOW– What a Ride!” ~Unknown

Bill Beard is a MCAC Credentialed Personal Development Coach and Consultant with over 25 years of experience in business operations.  He has taken his business experiences and his natural ability to form and strengthen interpersonal relationships with practicality and compassion, and melded them into his independent practice, Infinite Purpose Coaching and Consulting.  Through empowered coaching and refined communication, Bill guides his clients toward finding the clarity and focus they need to take positive charge of their business and personal endeavors.