I witnessed two memorable athletic performances yesterday – both of them of the aquatic variety. The first was Michael Phelps‘ shattering any and all Olympic achievements when the US relay team helped him win his 8th gold of the 2008 Olympic Games. Millions of people stayed up late to witness this bit of history and cheer along the 23-year old Phelps in his quest for Olympic immortality.
The second event was seen by far fewer people, but it left an impression on me nonetheless. Yesterday saw Race Day at the Craigville Beach Association near my home on Cape Cod. Groups of kids 5-years old and under, 6 to 9, and 10 and over competed in a variety of swimming and beach races and competitions. Even some adults (including my lovely bride) got in on the act.
Noodle Race
What amazed me was the sheer joy and determination these young kids demonstrated. As the youngest group gathered in the chute before the starting gun, they were giggling and abuzz with excitement. They were absolutely living in the moment and ready to take on the course. Their mission? Get on a floating noodle and flail about over a distance of about 10 meters.
Now, this may seem a far cry from Olympic stardom. Still, as I watched Phelps emerge from the locker room with his teammates later that night, I couldn’t help but think of the similarities between the two events and their respective athletes. Sure, the pressures of a global audience and the bragging rights of a nation weren’t a part of the little swimmers’ world, but there were still similarities. The intensity, the excitement, the unknown outcome – differences existed only in a matter of degree.
The real similarities could be seen after the race, however. Phelps cheered the anchor of the US relay all the way until fingertips touched wall. At that point, he turned into a 5-year old kid again. His face bore the same pure elation as that I saw from those kids I saw on the beach earlier that day. He raised his lanky arms high into the sky, clasped his hands to his face, and he hugged his mum. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen that, either.
The excitement and the thrill of victory transcend Beijing, Cape Cod, and any other specific context. I believe that Phelps’ genuine passion for the sport and the nature of healthy competition drive him to train, to believe in himself, and ultimately to win. While it’s true that few if any of the kids who competed at CBA will go on to Olympic gold, a glimpse into their pure engagement and joy in participating in Race Day reminds us of one of the key ingredients to success in any walk of life:
Whatever you do, enjoy the crap out of it. (To quote Confucius…)
You have to truly enjoy what you do in order to enjoy the success of an Olympic athlete or a 5-year old swimmer. Pure joy, living in the moment, giving your all – each of these things is only possible when you’re able to align your values, your essence, and your activities.
When it all comes together, it’s something to behold.
##
Do you love what you do? Do you need to love what you do in order to achieve lasting success in life?