Running - back in the day
Running – back in the day

Standing outside the gate of the Garrison Athletics Track in Colchester on a cold dark Tuesday night, had it really been 20 years since I was last there waiting to start a group run?  Would I be able to keep up? And would I be embarrassed if I struggled?  In my head I am 29, but physically I am now 59.  But more to the point – WHY?  Why am I doing this?

The months are peeling away and it feels like a (fast) train is heading towards me – the train is my 60th birthday!

I am the Managing Director for a national company which supports people with learning disabilities. I am a regular trainer and deliver workshops on project management and supporting people with their money for organisations.  I am often a guest speaker on Leadership and Supporting people with Learning Disabilities; I write about Leadership on my blog, monthly newsletter and Twitter.  My voluntary work is for SSAFA, an Armed Forces Charity, which includes being a mentor for wounded/injured/sick soldiers and also an ‘Independent Service Custody Visitor’ for a Military Detention Centre.  I am parent/carer for my daughter.  One of my goals in 2016 is to improve and develop by 5% on every aspect of my work, sport and personal life – Why?  Why am I doing this?

This post is split into three important parts of my life:  Family, Work and Sport asking as I go into 2016… Why?  Why do we do the things we do and what drives us?

I have been described as ‘driven’, which I do not mind as it is probably a fair description.  However, I like to think of myself as someone who loves life, a life that I am determined to squeeze every last drop out of.  However, I do think it is important for me to reflect on what it is that drives me to be better than I was yesterday and to be more successful in the future (or at the very least hold on to what I have).

Why?  Why do we do the things we do?

image1
My daughters, Jennifer and Bettina

Family

  1. To provide the best possible ‘quality of life’ for my wife and daughters
  2. To win their respect. Just because I had it yesterday doesn’t mean that I will have it today or tomorrow.  I must win it again each day and it starts the moment I get out of bed
  3. Because it is a responsibility and a duty – my parents did it despite adversity and so can I
  4. Because they depend on me (we each depend on each other)
  5. Because it is fun
Inspiring our future leaders at CharityWorks
Inspiring our future leaders at CharityWorks

Work

  1. I want to make a difference for the people I support, the people I work with, the people I work for and my organisation
  2. I want to leave a legacy – to be memorable “We’re here to put a dent in the universe otherwise why else would we be here?” Steve Jobs
  3. Because it is a responsibility that I hold and therefore it is my duty to do the best I can – everyday!
  4. There is so much I want to change for people with learning disabilities
  5. Because it is fun

Sport (Running)

  1. I want and need to live a long life for my family – so I reckon the fitter I am, I increase the odds on maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle and, of course, leading a longer life (you’ve also got to be pretty fit to work for thera.co.uk)
  2. I love what I currently do, but to be honest there is not a day goes by when I don’t think about my first career in the Army – so running (especially cross country) is about as close as it gets to being part of that world especially when it is cold, wet, muddy and a hill is involved.
  3. There are challenges – goals and objectives I want to achieve (all be it a little slower now)
  4. Because I still want to “cut it” – maintain that competitive edge
  5. Because it is fun

So when you next think “why am I still driving myself”, when you would much prefer to put your feet up, may I suggest you do what I have just done and write your ‘WHYs’ down and reflect on them.  I guarantee you will feel inspired to do and be more.   Do it for 2016.

What’s your ‘why’?