It is never too late to be who you might have been.
~George Eliot
Today’s Blogger I Heart is a fellow I first followed in fragments, before my visits moved to frequent. We officially met in the middle of a series of sticks and stones barely missing our bones, about three weeks back. In the aftermath of the scuffle, I believe we both found ourselves with a sharpened respect for the other.
Tim is a life coach. I know, I know, time out, right? Being a life coach has to be the single best job in the world. Not only to you get to tell people what to do, they actually pay you to do it. When I try to tell people what to do, not only do they NOT give me money, they immediately change the subject .
Tim lays it down well. His posts are a wonderful mix of words and photos, piling together to prove a point. He goes on Daring Adventures often, you can check them out here. Without further ado, Tim Brownson:
A Sense of Purpose
Do you have some massive goals and dreams? I mean the big muvva’s that leave other people snickering or saying you need put the crack pipe down and return to reality at your soonest convenience? Do you want to be the first person on Mars, run a mile in under three and a half minutes, or discover the cure for cancer?
Huge goals are great, and I applaud you for having them, but if you’re going to achieve them you need a bit more than the ability to sit and daydream. You’re going to need plenty of self-confidence, a belief that you can do whatever it is you want to do and possibly the most important of all, a sense of purpose. Why it is you want to achieve whatever it is.
It’s a sense of purpose that drives the truly great. Do you think Bill Gates has a sense of purpose? What about Tiger Woods or Barrack Obama? You betcha they do, that’s what keeps them going when things get tough. Gates doesn’t need any more money, Tiger any more trophies or Obama to put his life on the line. They could all retire and take up the quiet life if they wished, but that would leave them empty and unfulfilled.
A sense of purpose is equally important with other less world-shattering goals. You could try and quit smoking, or be determined to quit because you want to play with your grand kids without an oxygen mask in 30 years. You could go on a diet and see what happens, or you could be determined that you’ll lose 25lbs for your high school reunion next year and show people how great you can look.
It really doesn’t matter what it is you want to achieve, a sense of purpose will make it infinitely more likely.
The Georgetown Coach Lou Little stood on the sideline watching the players practice shaking his head in disbelief. It was a Monday morning and to say that some of the guys were tanking it in would be an understatement. He blew his whistle, called everybody together in the center of the field, and started to let them know his feelings.
After ranting about commitment and desire he turned and pointed to Henry Peterson. “Look at this guy” the coach, said “He’s been on our team for four years and never played a down. He’s first at practice and last to leave. He studies film, works out in his spare time and never complains when he doesn’t start. This guy is the glue that holds our team together. I wish you guys could follow Henry’s example more often.”
In Henry’s senior year, Georgetown had the best season in the school’s history. They were due to play Fordham University with their last game to win the state championship. This was the biggest game in the schools history, and excitement was at fever pitch.
The Monday prior to the game Coach Little was walking off the field after practice when Henry approached him. Henry said that his father had passed away that weekend and that there was to be a memorial service for him that Saturday. Much to the coach’s amazement, Henry apologized and said that he needed to be at the service.
Coach Little told Henry to go with his blessing and as a mark of respect the team would say a prayer for his dad before each practice and they’d also dedicate the game to his memory.
On the morning of the big game the Coach was in his office going over some last minute plans for the game when the door burst open and Henry walked in.
“Henry, what are you doing here, I thought it was the memorial service this morning.” Coach Little said.
“It was coach, but I felt like I had to be here. This has been my family for the last 4 years and I know my dad would want me to be here”
“Well ok, if you’re sure. Of course it’s great to have you”
“Coach, can I ask a favor?”
“Sure Henry, anything for you, you know that”
“Coach, I want to start today”
“Well Henry, I know I said anything, but I’m really not sure about that. This is the biggest game in the schools history”
“If you start me coach, I promise that the first missed assignment, dropped ball or mistake of any type you can pull me out the game.
The Coach looked hesitant, but he could see something in Henry’s eyes that made him believe that this young man wasn’t going to let him down.
“Well, ok Henry, but one mistake and you’re out, ok?”
“You got it Coach” and with that Henry turned and left the coach looking rather bemused.
That day Henry Peterson made 15 tackles and assisted in 11 more. He caused one fumble, recovered another and had an interception for the winning touchdown as Georgetown beat Fordham. He was voted Most Valuable Player and in short played the kind of game that people are talking about 60 years later.
After the game Coach Little ran onto the field and hugged Henry.
“Henry, why didn’t you tell me you could play like that, I had no idea. I could have used you for the last 4 years, but I never saw it in practice.”
“Did you ever meet my father Coach?”
“No, I didn’t have that privilege. I saw you walking round the field arm in arm with him a couple of times and I’m sorry now I didn’t come and say hello”
“Well coach, my father was blind and today was the first time he got to see me play football”
That’s a sense of purpose and that demonstrates what YOU can achieve if you tap into your own.
If you’d like to visit Tim, you can do it here. If you’d like to cut to the chase and subscribe to his feed, you can to that here.
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Thanks, WD, and hi, Tim! That was such a beautiful and touching story, perfect for illustrating your point. Purpose adds the needed fuel. Sometimes, though, if you feel pulled in a direction and don’t yet know why—you just “know” you’re supposed to do something—strong faith and belief in following your intuition can keep you moving until you do learn the reason why you’re wanting to do whatever it is. Sometimes we have to wait for the curtains to open, but we don’t have to wait to walk toward the window. Call it a “pre-purpose” step forward! Following your instinct is good stuff, too.
Julies last blog post..Been There, Done That
PS: The link to Tim’s site isn’t working…
Julies last blog post..Been There, Done That
Solid post and an excellent story to drive home your point, Tim. I’m a firm believer that we all need a drive that is fueled by our own understanding of our abilities and aspirations. That even when others laugh at our seemingly unreachable goals, that we should always listen to our guts and just nod our heads to the doubters as we push forward.
You illustrated this beautifully! Thanks for sharing and Sean, thanks for sharing Tim!
Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Motivation Maintenance: Keeping The Drive Alive
Do you have some massive goals and dreams?
Yes. So large I’m embarrassed to mention them out loud, in fact. I always think I’m doing everything I should be doing to get there. Invariably, I look back and think, “Well, crud, that was a waste of time!” Then I start over.
That was okay at twenty, thirty, … oh man, forty. Shoot, I’m using up all my “mistake” time.
Charlie Hillss last blog post..What the Bleep?
I heart Tim, too.
I needed a little motivation today, everyone’s sick and that bed was nice and comfy.
Thanks for the push.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Brain Picking Sean Platt, He’s Finally Up to Bat
Hmm…I don’t care for football, for the most part…but isn’t it funny how many inspiring stories come from it (and other sports)?
Triumph over adversity, comebacks, determination, patience, and even the willingness to take wild chances…all lessons to be found in sporting anecdotes.
On must be willing to keep on with dogged determination if one wishes to pursue a dream, but it would be lovely if Life, The Universe, and Everything would cooperate from time to time!
A journey of a thousand miles, eh?
Meanwhile, I’m pecking away at my greatest dream, the one I’ve had since childhood - to write, finish, submit, and publish. More than once, preferably.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who finds Life Coaching fascinating)
Kyddryns last blog post..Dam
Great story Tim! And a good reminder for us - in why we do the thing we do - to really know what our sense of purpose is!
Sean - another awesome guest you have here today!
Lances last blog post..Believe In Yourself
Thanks for the feedback everybody and Sean for inviting me into his own backyard when he knows I hate him so much! (an in-joke there people, don’t get wound up)
A couple of things if I may because I now regret not asking the question of you guys.
What is your purpose in life?
I believe that pretty much everybody has one, but few people look closely enough to find out what theirs is.
It could be something really obvious like raise a family you’re proud of, but it could be a bit more involved.
Let me tell you mine and see if that gets the ball rolling.
I wanted to write a book and get a real publishing deal, so that…
I could sell 1,000,000 copies of my book, so that….
With the money and fame I could then charge outrageous coaching fees to those that can afford it (I know coaches that are over $500 per hours!), so that…..
I could work pro bono for 75% of the time working with people that need, but could never afford a coach without having to downsize to a tent, and also…
I want to be invited by Government, either here or in the UK to consult on education. We haven’t got kids (my fault I’m afraid), but I would like to leave a legacy (another purpose for living) that means kids are taught basic stuff like; reframing, positive thinking, visualization techniques, relaxation and breathing techniques, meditation, conflict resolution (without using a big stick) and lot’s of other critical stuff that often gets overlooked.
I was 40 before I realized my life was a mess. Lots of cash coming in along with lots of stress and misery, but I have changed that. I also once had a client that changed careers at 59 and another whose father trained to be a doctor at 61! It’s never too late, always believe that unless you are actually drawing your last breath.
Two plugs if I can be so outrageous. Firstly, I used a life coach to get me on the right track, that’s what we do. So if you need help, ask for it. You only get one chance at life!
Secondly, this post is actually the first of a 3-parter (although they’ll all stand alone) and the other 2 have amazing stories too, and yes Kyddryn, they are sport related
I’m happy to send a hardback version of my book to the person that has the most interesting purpose for their life (as long as you are in Canada or USA - if not it will be the e-book version) and 2 runner up prizes of the e-book.
If you’ve already commented, do so again and think BIG!
This is the end of the advertisement.
Tim Brownsons last blog post..Let’s Get Political
Ahh, Tim, that football story brought tears to my eyes. Made me remember getting exam results after my grandad had died, and knowing how proud he’d have been to know I did get my place at Cambridge…
You already know my purpose, but for the benefit of those who don’t, it’s to something SIGNIFICANT with my life. Something that makes a positive different in the world. This comes out in my (rather too many) goals: blogging about healthy eating, blogging about making the most of being a student, writing creatively, doing church/charity stuff… Ultimately, I want to be the best person I can be, and to help other people to do the same.
Ali Hales last blog post..Keeping a time log (part one)
Julie: Links all fixed. Sorry about that. I like your analogy about the curtains and the window. ‘Tis true. The stars aren’t always aligned, but we can be ready when they are.
Eric: The laughter of others can be fuel in the fire.
Charlie: Forty is the new twenty-five. You’re just getting started.
Jamie: That sick is just sailing around isn’t it. My boy’s needed bundling for a few days now. It was Mia last week. Darn whether change.
Kyddryn: You’ve just gotta finish one of those dozen manuscripts you’ve got. So everyone knows, Kyddryn actually started a second book for NaNoWriMo, so she’s penning two at the same time. I know how she feels, though. Stories are easy to start, but murder to finish.
Lance: The guest posts are definitely on a role, I believe. A permanent feature so long as you all don’t mind.
Tim: Thanks for being here. My purpose is, perhaps not to change the world, but to push it forward in some small measure. I’d like to have a deep impact, even if it is only the impact of an individual. I will start with my words, but life will certainly lead me down different boulevards as well.
Ali: Said perfectly. “I want to be the best person I can be.” Who could ever argue with that?
The story brought a tear to my eyes. Thank you.
Debbie Lanes last blog post..Clutterers Anonymous Affirmations
Sean, it seems like you always preface these with, “yeah, we got into it one day but now we are totally cool”. What gives?
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..Working at Home Makes You Fat
Great read Tim,
Fear has slowed my achievement of purpose. Afraid of what people would say, what they would think, or how I would feel if I failed. A Coach friend of mine, Tony Blauer, recently brought a very enlightening fear management affirmation to my toolbox. We were learning to teach multiple assailant scenarios, and in the mindset block of instruction we were learning to get ourselves “squared away” with 3 attackers were threatening me alone. Coach Blauer simply said, “what would you be doing if you weren’t afraid?” The answer, Id be doing some math….then there were 2, then there was 1….. (the big stick you referred to earlier). Very empowering.
My purpose is to help others mitigate fear. It will help me to someday decode the paradox of selfish unselfishness. By helping others with their fear, I help myself with my own.
Well I can’t say AGAIN how much I like Tim Brownson. I could make him BLUSH.
Sean, I think you are a great example of someone with a sense of purpose. You too, Tim.
O.O
Wow.
I’ve decided to again pursue my dream of an acting career. Either in the theatre or film. I really love performing live, but so many movies are coming to Michigan that film would be more realistic.
Oh and Writer Dad, you hold Tim and I’ll beat him, he needs a good beating.
Melissas last blog post..Hump Day
Stories like that always get my motor revving. Tim, just to let you know, I think you make a great life coach, just from what others have said about you and the quality of posts you always spin. At some point (when funds allow) it would be my honor to request your input into my life, even if you are a “bald, pasty britt”
Sals last blog post..I WIN
Dear lord, Tim Brownson made me cry. I am NEVER going to live this one down.
Wow! Just, um, wow!
Urban Panthers last blog post..Grass and grubs
Tim, I can honestly say I didn’t understand half of that. It didn’t sound like any game of football I’ve ever seen.
I still haven’t worked out my life’s purpose for sure. I knew what it was as a child but it was one of those that could never come to be.
Even if I had the chance to do it now I doubt that I would so I suppose that means either it wasn’t my life’s purpose or the purpose can change.
Right, I’m of to cause a fumble now. I’ll check in again later.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Why Cleaning Your Toilet Could Be Bad For Your Children’s Health
Debbie: Me too.
Hayden: Only two. My disaster, and this one. I officially met Tim that day. This post is a nice conclusion to the calamity.
Vered: Very kind, Vered. Thank you.
Melissa: It’s a dealio, but we’ll have to head over to a Daring Adventure. I promised there’d be no scuffling downstairs today.
Urban Panther: I know, Panther. I feel ya.
Dave: Our purpose can always change. We just need to recognize it when it does.
Glad to see there has been some blubbering round here and thanks for the feedback.
Having said that, where are all those lifes purposes people?
@ Dave - Think rugby for wusses.
Tim Brownsons last blog post..Let’s Get Political
Tim, I much prefer it when you make me laugh rather than cry. I’m a blubber puss enough as it is. I can’t start blubbering everywhere I go in the blogosphere you know. I have actually have things to do. Like find a life purpose goddammit! That’s top of my list.
Don’t believe I’ve ever been here Writer Dad, so g’day. I’ll be off to have a look around now.
Kelly
Oh Tim, such an awesome story that brought a tear to my eyes. Most certainly, having a sense of purpose can help a person access an inner power in achieving phenomenal results. Love the story in this post!!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..The Lipstick Indicator To Great Wealth
That was an outstanding story, Tim. Thanks so much for sharing!
My purpose in life is to make a lot of money. I know I cannot get lot of money (I cannot give my figure here) without being a different person. A healthy and fit person, with lots of travelling. And then telling others who I could achieve all those. Because, I am 40 and my teeth are slowly going away, I suffer from GAD. It took me 30 years to speak to a girl without sweating profusely. If I can achieve all those things, I can actually help others who are struggling with problems inside their psyche, wrong wiring in their brains which may look subtle and still can destroy a dream.
Sohams last blog post..TELESCOPIC COVERS | Both industrial and for swimming pools
I love to see people learn. It is particularly gratifying if I am the teacher, however, I lack the patience to be a teacher in a class room environment. I have found that I work best one-on-one or in small teams. To that end, I have always been passionate about education.
So what is my purpose? Since I excel in the field of information technology, my purpose has been to further my career while applying my knowledge to better our education systems. If I can have a direct influence by working in academia, as I do now, all the better.
If not, I one day wish to be affluent enough to be a philanthropist who can focus on education. To reach this end, I will first garner the project management experience necessary to move up within my field. While doing this I want to start some businesses to build a brand.
Once the brand has traction, I can expand it and grow it while becoming a CEO or simply a CIO. With a self-sustaining business, I can concentrate on philanthropy and other ventures to further my career and my abilities to help others through it.
On a personal level, my purpose has been jump started since I met my soul mate. Together, we are going to build a family. We want to raise a couple of wonderful children who can one day achieve their purposes. We seek nothing more than the enjoyment of life with each other and those family and friends whom we love.
It may sound sappy, but that’s where my purpose lies. There is nothing in this work I savor more than the sound of my soul mate’s laugh when I am looking into her eyes and holding her close. That is the entire world in one moment. Beyond that, I’ve described my aspirations above.
Be well and thanks for this post.
Ians last blog post..Will Apple do a Search Engine?
Kelly: Nice to have you. I hope you like what you see.
Ian: Again, wow. Your list of goals and my co-list with Daisy… an awful lot of overlap. One of these days we’re just going to have to shake hands.a
AHHHHHHHhhhhhh! I need the tissues! Having a purpose makes all the difference in the world. I believe we can easily give our general purpose but to fine tune it so it is clear to ourselves I think is harder to do. How do you go from a general belief to a clear signal? I figure you, as the wonderful life coach that you are, would have something to contribute to this question.
Sean, your guest posts have definitely improved. Tim is a wonderful choice. He’s a top quality guy. He’s my all time favorite liberal. ;O)
Laurie: Writer Dad writes them all himself you know. He just borrows the names fo people he sees on his travels.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Why Cleaning Your Toilet Could Be Bad For Your Children’s Health
@ David- LOL ! I figured he did!
My first purpose is to develop my relationship with God. After that my purpose it inspire others to be passionate about our world from a scientific standpoint seeing the huge and microscopic as wonders to be marveled, and inspire teachers to want to be masters at teaching science. I also am purposed to love and care for my family.
@ Laurie - Of course as a world class life coach I do know the answer to that question. But I’m also a world class pain in the ass so you’ll have to wait for the answer
There have been a to of vague answers and that’s no more than I expected. Most people seldom stop and think about this stuff even if they should.
I think Ian is the winner and if you want to e-mail me I can arrange to send you the book.
PS Don’t go sneaking a comment in now and expecting some freebies, I’m not that stupid.
I can’t work out who the runners up are, but if anybody that has commented wants a copy of the e-book, e-mail me and I’ll send it to you gratis.
tim at adaraingadventure dot com
Tim Brownsons last blog post..What’s Your Sense Of Purpose?
Wow, great writing Tim! To be honest I almost didn’t read this because of time constraints, but something was telling me I should. This is the kind of story that stops you in your tracks and makes you think.
My main thought is that all the hard work will pay off and it will be significant. Thanks you for this!
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Days last blog post..Why Good Design Matters