Drive

I often wonder what it is that makes one person more driven than another.  Is it pure stubbornness?

Id like to think that a persons drive stems from some unspoken internal fire that simply will not let them rest until they have completed what it is they set out to do.  Ocassionally it comes off as stuborn…just not knowing when to quit.  However, there is something amazing about watching an individual just ducking their head and moving forward as stern as they can despite hardship.

I knew a guy that was just as stubborn as could be…lets call him John.  Great guy!  He wanted to be a professional golfer.  John was was 6’0″ 175 lbs and as physically fit as could be.  The problem was that he was as uncoordinated as could be.  He would practice day in and day out but to his dismay could just not make the cut – high school,college and so on.  I asked him why he was so driven to be a pro golfer and explained quite simply – “because my dad couldn’t be…”

His dad was an extremely good golfer who just prior to getting his pro card was in a paralyzing car accident which ultimately destroyed his ability to ever play golf again.  John, took it upon himself, to live out his father’s dream.

Great story right?  I’d say so.  I asked John a follow up question of what he really wanted to do in life.  After a few minutes of contemplating he said, “I really want to be a scientist. I want to find the cure to some odd disease and make the world a better place.”

The point I am trying to make here is that drive/dedication is a beautiful thing.  It was such a beautiful story to hear John try to live out his father’s dreams by becoming a professional golfer.  The only thing is…it wasnt John’s dream.  And if I had to conclude…it was the reason why he never excelled the way he would have liked to.

Note to self.  Do you.  Be driven by your dreams.

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