My wife accomplished a life long goal yesterday.  She completed her first official marathon and did it under five hours and running the entire way.  First of all “Congratulations Michelle, I am very proud of you.”

I learned a lot from her accomplishment. Much of it has nothing to do with running.  I think the reasons that Michelle runs are shared by many.  She runs to clear her head, stay physically fit and living in a very scenic areas at the west end of the Columbia River Gorge, I know that part of the satisfaction that she receives is simply in experiencing the outdoors that we are blessed with.

All these reasons help her to enjoy the act of running.  Most of the elective things that we choose to do are because they bring us joy.  This is where my own observations take over.  I stationed myself at about the 21 mile mark with the intent of taking pictures of Michelle, as well as a few friends and a co-worker.

Here are some great thoughts I took away from today:

1.  UNDERSTAND WHY YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO.

There were thousands that ran the marathon today.  I saw many of them walking around after the run like they were walking on a hot bed of coals.  I wonder how many people that have run a marathon were “one and done.”  I know why Michelle runs and I totally understand why she won’t do another marathon.  She loves to run because she enjoys it.  She enjoyed the accomplishment of 26.2 but the joy of running was overshadowed by the work.

2.  UNDERSTAND WHY YOU DO WHAT YOU DO.

Simple question … Why do you do what you do?  Maybe not so simple.  What you want to be is a career.  What you want to do is your passion.  What Michelle wants to do is run.  What she wanted to be was a successful Marathon runner.  Do you see the difference?

3.  UNDERSTAND WHAT WILL RESULT FROM WHAT YOU DO.

If what you do is your passion, how does what you do impact the lives of others?  It could be running, it could be writing, it could be anything.  What are you doing that makes a difference?  We only have so much time.  We can’t get any more.  Over the last few years I have become much more aware of how I am investing my time.  I think when you invest your time doing for others, you will reap great rewards.  After all, how much fun is it to have no one to celebrate your success with.

4.  UNDERSTAND HOW WHAT YOU DO FILLS YOUR BUCKET.

I really like this one.  How does what you do fill your bucket?  Does it motivate you?  Does it inspire you?  If you can’t answer these quickly and with confidence, you may want to take a hard look at what you are doing.  This is where clarity comes into play.  If you are not filling your bucket everyday, over time it will end up empty.  A full bucket allows you to give the surplus to others.  When you are running on a deficit, you can’t add to the lives of others.  Take care of yourself first and the rest will take care of itself.

Thousands ground out 26.2 miles of ground pounding excitement in Portland on Sunday.  I wonder if any of these thoughts were considered during that time.  I have a better idea of why Michelle runs now.

In the fast paced world we live in, this may be the best place to gain wisdom and clarity that we have.  Why?  Simple – No matter how far you go, it’s one step at a time.

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Barry Smith   www.buildingwhatmatters.com   10/8/12            photo by author