Working for a higher purpose

When a team "wins it all" the question becomes, "What are you going to do next?" If you don't repeat at the top, are you worse than you were last year?

Think about it this way, there was a point in time when we said it was impossible to break the 4 minute mile. But now we know you can.

Or, there was a time back in the 1900's when they were going to close the patent office because they thought we had reached enlightenment - what else could we possibly invent?

There is the idea of training to win. This will get you to a certain standard. But what about the idea of training to a standard? Or perhaps rather than working toward a goal, work for a reason.

Give purpose to what you are doing.

When we work, we are ultimately part of something bigger. In a traditional sense, it may be putting together a house, writing a new application, helping someone through life issues, or investing in the next generation. It is bigger than just you.

In sport, even individual sport, we are competing to be the best we can be. But that isn't about just an individual. Every top athlete has a coach, and probably a trainer. They spend time with other people in their field, learning from the mistakes of others. Even in the individual sports (like running), there is a tendency to interact with others, share articles, tips and tricks on recovery, where you give to others that are trying to learn from you.

Becoming the best is great, staying the best is great. But ultimately, working toward being the best with the talents you have been given, and creating the best work environment you possibly can means that your work is never really finished. You may look up and find yourself at the top of the heap. But the ultimate goal, to make yourself and those around you better is a higher calling.

Like the four minute mile, it may not be possible today. But what about tomorrow? How can you encourage the people around you to better and better and better? In doing so, create the best possible work place to be a part of.