Being Busy, Mastering the Now, and the Power of Purpose

A friend of mine is superhuman.

He's up every day at God knows what time. But whatever time that is, he is able to run through his morning routine of meditating, reading, and writing before driving to the next town over to run a fitness class. Not just a fitness class, but a high-intensity workout class. The kind that leaves you feeling like you've got nothing left in the tank. So, he's depleted his body of all of its available glycogen and carbohydrates before the sun has come up.

Then, he goes to his job (I believe he teleports) teaching things like grammar and math and history to middle schoolers. He doesn't just teach them about equations, verbs, and the Ottoman Empire -- he teaches them life skills and how to show up in the world. This is not a teacher that phones it in. He's into it. 

He's athletic director of the sports program and oversees every single sport the school has to offer. Boys and girls, on-field and on-court, on campus and off. He coaches his son's baseball team and his daughter's soccer team. 

They'll make a movie about him one day.

He's married and not just married like it's something that happens or happened, but he's married like its an activity. He reads books on how to be a great spouse and how to treat a spouse so that they're great. He studies communications and relationships and authenticity. He might read poetry.

If I asked him for anything, he'd deliver. He literally seems to have no free time, but he'd make it for me. He'd make it for anyone. He's the stereotypical and rare individual that you look and wonder, "How does he do it?"

Recently, reflecting on an afternoon run between campus, drop offs, and baseball practice, he confessed, "It was too much. I just wanted to drive to the beach and sit in the sand to meditate while listening to the waves crash onto the shore."

It was interesting. I wasn't surprised. That's not the right word. Of course he feels the pressure. Of course he struggles with all the responsibilities he's taken on. It was... interesting. It raised my curiosity and deepened the intrigue about who he really is. On the inside. What's going on in there?

I have coffee with him every so often. Usually around 7 am on the occasional Sunday -- it's the only time he has available. 

He shows up alert, smiling, and focused with attention like you're the only thing he's thinking about.  

He's mastered the art of being present. I'm already his second appointment of the day. He's coming from a morning run with another friend. And apparently had enough time to shower. 

He knows his "why." He knows why he does all this. He's got purpose. 

He states it so matter of factly. Like he's reading from a newspaper rather than speaking from the deepest part of his soul.

"I'm making a difference, building lasting memories, and creating a safe space for people to grow. I do this because I can, and because I'm good at it, and because it serves others powerfully, which, in turn, serves me powerfully."

It sounds so easy. Maybe it's not that hard?

I'm starting this day inspired by him to make the day about serving others. It's an empowering mindset to have.