Embracing the journey: living with purpose and achieving the "I´mpossible"

"In the rhythm of running, find the melody of the impossible, and chase it with the heart of a dreamer."

In late October 2022, as my milestone 50th birthday was approaching, a seed of curiosity blossomed within me, prompting me to ponder the possibilities: "What if I had the courage to pursue what truly excited me, even at this stage in life?"

The "What If" became a catalyst for change, sparking a commitment to lean into my running passion and strive for what seemed impossible: completing a 42.2km marathon under 3 hours, a feat that only 2-5% of all runners can attain, percentages that vastly diminish in the late 40´s.

Fast forward 14 months (or to go deeply analytical 241 training sessions, 3800+ km 😉), and the culmination of dedication and relentless focus unfolded in Pisa, where in the "Square of Miracles" (Piazza dei Miracoli, how apt!) I achieved the I'm-possible, completing the full 42.2km marathon in an astonishing 2h56´59". This new personal best at the age of 50+ adds another chapter to my ongoing journey of curiosity, energy, self-discovery and resilience: strengths and values that lies at the core of my purpose, i.e. the impact I aspire to have in the world.

This experience taught me profound lessons, particularly the significance of constancy of purpose. Purpose is not a vague, fluffy concept, or something that we ´get´ by sitting crossed legged in a mindfulness class. Purpose is the clear, unwavering commitment to the impact we wish to make, driven by the journey to make it happen. Every step taken, every setback faced, and every mile covered was part of a purposeful path. The process of trusting the journey, letting go of immediate expectations, and believing in our evolving best self is instrumental in breaking barriers.

The journey to this achievement reinforced in me the idea that success is attracted by the person we become through persistent dedication to our purpose. Each moment of perseverance, each stride forward, contributed to a narrative of endurance and personal growth. Running a marathon under 3 hours wasn't just about crossing the finish line; it was about embracing the journey, demonstrating the power of consistent effort, and staying true to a purposeful mission.

Reflecting on the Pisa marathon, I find joy not just in the finish line but in the series of moments strung together, creating a narrative of endurance and personal growth. Running endurance races will continue to be a source of character building and self-discovery. The dedication and endurance displayed in these races extend beyond running, becoming life principles—lessons in perseverance, self-awareness, and the beauty of embracing the journey itself.

So if you are still reading this long-winded post, consider it an invitation to fully embrace your own journeys. Let go of limitations and continually push the boundaries of what is possible. Make your days a celebration of showing up, leveraging your strengths in alignment with your first principles or values, moving forward, and doing your best, one step at a time. In life's adventure, all races end, but running is forever: a testament to dedication, the constancy of purpose, and the enduring spirit of always striving for the better version of ourselves.

Keep shining your bright lights along the journey!

Want to Find Your Purpose? Stop Looking for It. Start Living With It.

How do you find your purpose?

We live in a society where we're bombarded with stimulus. Now more than ever before, we're plugged into a rapidly evolving wired world. The dings, rings and buzzes that emanate from our smartphones seem to only stop when we forget to recharge.

But in those rare quiet moments, we hear this internal voice telling us that life is supposed to be about more than just accumulating "stuff," achieving professional success and enjoying the moment. Life is supposed to have some deeper meaning or purpose.

But, how do you find your purpose?

Stop looking for Purpose. Start living with it.

Found this statement & the following thoughts so true. It may sound counterintuitive, but if we want to find our purpose, the first step is to stop looking for it. That’s right. Get off our hands and knees. Stop thinking - and over-thinking - about why we are here. We’ll never really know. More importantly, trying to find our purpose has an inherent risk: we're assuming it's all about us. We ask ourselves: "What is my purpose that will help me feel fulfilled on a deeper level?" But here is the problem with this line of thought: Meaning and purpose come when we focus on others -- not on ourselves.If we really want to achieve our potential and live a more meaningful life, let us stop searching for purpose and start living with purpose.When we live your life asking what we are needed for, we adapt, change and grow. Along the way, we are able to contribute to others - the ultimate purpose. Over time, we will gain insight into our unique purposes and better understand the things that only we can contribute.In the end, whether we can pinpoint our purpose or not, we will have spent the better portion of our life helping others and living with purpose -- which is always more valuable than finding it.

Related: How to Read the 3 Signs Telling You Your Purpose in Life

The quest to fill the void with a greater purpose is compelling. It sells books, seminars, and movies. It has been dramatized to such an extent that people are figuratively on the floor searching in the dark for the key that will unlock the secret to life contentment, purpose and happiness.

But they never seem to find it. And you know why? Because they’re looking in all the wrong places.

1. Stop looking for it. Start living with it.

This may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to find your purpose, the first step is to stop looking for it. That’s right. Get off your hands and knees. Stop thinking -- and over-thinking -- about why you are here.

You’ll never really know. We may get some clues about our place in the world, but full-on knowledge of why we are here might just be reserved for the afterlife. More importantly, trying to find your purpose has an inherent risk -- you're assuming it's all about you.

You ask yourself, "What is my purpose that will help me feel fulfilled on a deeper level?" But here is the problem with this line of thought: Meaning and purpose come when we focus on others -- not on ourselves.

If you really want to achieve your potential and live a more meaningful life, stop searching for purpose and start living with purpose.

2. Ask yourself: 'What am I needed for?'

Instead of concerning yourself with what you need or what you want, ask yourself: "What am I needed for?"

If you really want to make a change in this world, reflect on what's motivating you. Do you want to be the hero? If the answer is yes, then you are destined for misery. You won't find meaning helping others if you're really just trying to feel good or further your own interests. It's not about what you need. The question is -- what is needed from you?

The good news is that you don't need to search very far. Opportunities are right in front of you -- start with your friends, family and community. Within your grasp are people in need. Start asking what you can do for them. 

But here is the nuance that often trips people up. I'm not suggesting that you ask what is needed. There could be a security issue, but you may not be a police officer. There may be a health risk, but you may not be a doctor. You can't solve a problem you are not qualified to fix.

Instead, ask what you are needed for. What unique contribution can you bring to those in need? Identify the talents and interests that will allow you to be helpful and make an impact.

Related: To Pull Through Dark Days, Understand What Drives You

3. Take action steps.

Your purpose relates to your talents, but you can't think your way to living with purpose. You don’t find your purpose by listening to an inspirational audio series or contemplating philosophy on a mountain-top retreat. You find it in action.

Just like exercise, you have to start somewhere. Find or create an opportunity to contribute, volunteer, open a business or take on additional responsibilities. Doing things to uniquely contribute to those around you should be part of your routine.

Without a concrete and sustainable action plan, the inspiration you're feeling now will eventual fizzle, and you'll wind up feeling empty and unsatisfied again. You don't need to start big -- but you do need to get started. Find a way you can give your time and your talent to others on an ongoing basis. Once a week? Fine. Once a month? That's a start.

4. Review where you stand.

You won't know where you stand without regular self-reflection. Every night, review what you did and ask yourself: Was that the best use of my time? Can I do more? Did I do too much? Can I delegate this, or should I spend more time doing it myself? Now you are learning by doing. That’s how you live with purpose.

In truth, you don’t just have one purpose. You have many. As you evolve, so will your purpose. When you were 15, your purpose may have been related to school, friends and parents. At 35, it could be attached to your spouse or child.

When you live your life asking what you are needed for, you adapt, change and grow. Along the way, you are able to contribute yourself to others -- the ultimate purpose. Over time, you will gain insight into your unique purposes and better understand the things that only you can contribute.

In the end, whether you can pinpoint your purpose or not, you will have spent the better portion of your life helping others and living with purpose -- which is always more more valuable than finding it.