[CornFed]

I knew a fellow who was probably the most incredible person I have ever met.  His personal achievements were other-worldly, but what made him memorable was his simple presence.

He had graduated from high school as valedictorian of his class (which makes him less than notable at Stanford -  :D).  He then entered the Marines , completed basic training and served a hitch there.  After the military, he matriculated at Princeton and became the valedictorian of his class there.  Upon graduation from Princeton he enter the Peace Corps, serving in Africa.  When he was done there, he was accepted at Harvard Business, where he was named a Baker Scholar.  When he left school his career began with McKinsey & Associates.  His first project was with the largest beef packer in the world, where he ultimately was employed as Group VP - Operations.

Pretty amazing resume, right?  I rented a room from him at one time and he talked at length occasionally regarding those experiences.  His thoughts, though, would almost always revolve most heavily around his basic training as a Marine.

It was there that he learned that his limitations were nearly all psychological.  He had many situations where his instructors took him up to, and then substantially beyond his physical, emotional and mental limits.  He was incredible, not in his phycal stature but rather in his composure and self assurance. 

Many of the athletes at Stanford have this remarkable capacity in both depth and breadth of talent.  They demonstrate regularly that they can take on a variety of challenges and not just succeed, but thrive.

I do think that someone like Harbaugh challenged them to push even harder to exceed their own expectations.  It must be a truly exalting sensation.

I think it's just that one final exhortation just at the ideal moment that can really open one's eyes.  To find a level that breeches entirely new strata and carries natural talent to inconceivable outcomes.

[CornFed]

I knew a fellow who was probably the most incredible person I have ever met.  His personal achievements were other-worldly, but what made him memorable was his simple presence.

He had graduated from high school as valedictorian of his class (which makes him less than notable at Stanford -  :D).  He then entered the Marines , completed basic training and served a hitch there.  After the military, he matriculated at Princeton and became the valedictorian of his class there.  Upon graduation from Princeton he enter the Peace Corps, serving in Africa.  When he was done there, he was accepted at Harvard Business, where he was named a Baker Scholar.  When he left school his career began with McKinsey & Associates.  His first project was with the largest beef packer in the world, where he ultimately was employed as Group VP - Operations.

Pretty amazing resume, right?  I rented a room from him at one time and he talked at length occasionally regarding those experiences.  His thoughts, though, would almost always revolve most heavily around his basic training as a Marine.

It was there that he learned that his limitations were nearly all psychological.  He had many situations where his instructors took him up to, and then substantially beyond his physical, emotional and mental limits.  He was incredible, not in his phycal stature but rather in his composure and self assurance. 

Many of the athletes at Stanford have this remarkable capacity in both depth and breadth of talent.  They demonstrate regularly that they can take on a variety of challenges and not just succeed, but thrive.

I do think that someone like Harbaugh challenged them to push even harder to exceed their own expectations.  It must be a truly exalting sensation.

I think it's just that one final exhortation just at the ideal moment that can really open one's eyes.  To find a level that breeches entirely new strata and carries natural talent to inconceivable outcomes.