The definition of "pinnacle" is the culmination and most successful point of a journey. To me, a pinnacle moment isn't just about reaching the peak of success; it's also the most transformative moments that shape our lives. When was your last pinnacle moment?
This February 4th, when my son Max crossed the finish line of the Rocky Racoon 100-mile race, I experienced a profound pinnacle moment. Max endured 26 hours and 42 minutes running under brutal rainy, muddy conditions. As a member of his support crew, I contributed by being a part of the team that offered him PB&J sandwiches, a sock and shoe change, and a fresh t-shirt every 20 miles. The teamwork and support from the ultra-running community, his pacers, our crew, and friends who supported him from the sidelines and at home were truly remarkable.
As Max crossed the finish line, I was overcome with emotion and pride, feeling deeply grateful and connected to my son's running community. I am not a runner, but I definitely experienced what could only be described as a runner’s high as the culmination of 100 miles, 26+ hours of running, and the months of preparation came to an end. The experience embodied everything I believe in: setting a goal, taking small steps daily to achieve it, and receiving the unwavering support and accountability needed to see it through to the end.
Pinnacle moments don’t just happen. They require a goal, understanding your intrinsic motivation, and a support system.
Goals: Not all goals end in a pinnacle moment, but BHAGs do. A BHAG is a big, hairy, audacious goal, from the book Built to Last, written by Jim Collins. Daily goals are about taking small steps every day that will get you closer to your desired outcome. Stretch goals cause you to reach toward an ambitious objective. A BHAG will require both time and consistency. What was the last BHAG you set for yourself?
Motivators: Cultivating intrinsic motivation is critically important to discovering what drives you. Here are some ways to define those drivers:
Identify, understand, and embrace your personal values
Choose authenticity and
Pursue mastery in your areas of interest
Support System: I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself with a team of people to support and hold you accountable. A good support system includes your ride-or-die people, coaches, trainers, and therapists.
Today, I encourage you to lean into your BHAG, and if you haven’t set one lately, now’s the time.
Special shout-out to my son-in-law Angel who completed his first 100-miler in October 2023. Those efforts are what inspired Max. I can’t wait to see what big, hairy audacious goals these guys set for themselves next! -KM
