I thought of a few things to write about today but literally just as I started to write and I typed in 23 I thought that today, I’m going to talk about Michael Jordan. I’ve never met Michael Jordan, seen or even watched that much of him. I’m not really even a basketball fan but I am a huge fan of someone who can devote themselves to overcoming setbacks, focusing in on an ultimate goal and pushing for it without considering any alternatives. Michael Jordan is an example, like very few others, of someone who will consistently put in the workday after day for no guarantee, except the knowledge in his own mind that through dedication, determination and unwavering discipline he can achieve the unthinkable.

When I think about these elite level achievers and what it takes to reach the pinnacle of their relevant discipline, I wonder, when did the spark begin? How did that spark alight? And what was the deep-rooted connection to that discipline that pushed them to continue through all of that struggle? When I listen to interviews of these high achievers in business or sport or life there’s usually a common trend with each of them. They have all had setbacks and they have all failed countless times but yet they choose to continue because deep down they know that this is the way forward for them, this is their path, this is the route to their happiness.

One of the most interesting things I hear from some of these types of people is that it’s the journey that truly invigorates them, it’s the path towards that goal that gives them the ultimate level of fulfillment and the deep sense of purpose because day by day, struggle after struggle they overcome these physical and mental hurdles to develop into better athletes, better business people, better humans and even though they don’t see great changes initially they believe in the process, the believe in incremental steps towards achieving something greater.

I think most people may never find that deep rooted connection to something and subsequently may never to commit to a path so tumultuous many deem impossible but regardless of the said path it’s the journey towards something bigger than yourself in light of understanding to potential outcome. It’s the journey into an unknown level of commitment with just a spark to carry you through and a dream to move you forward that can be the most fulfilling and purposeful endeavour.

If there is something you feel like you can only dream of, something that seems so unattainable that people think you’re crazy, maybe that’s because that’s the path you are truly destined to take. What’s the worst that could happen? You just end up in the same place you started.

“I know fear is an obstacle for some people, but it is an illusion to me. Failure always made me try harder next time” - Michael Jordan

Thanks,

Dean