The Quest for the Holy Grail

In Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade, Jones and his father seek the legendary Holy Grail, a chalice with purported supernatural powers that bestows upon the drinker immortality. The Tarot Deck has cards with goblets.

The Boston Marathon (which takes place in April each year) is one such heavily alluded to Holy Grail that serious and dedicated long-distance runners may year for. This week is the crucial week for BQs to apply for the new multi-tier system of getting a slot in next year’s race.

Perhaps, the Holy Grail is a metaphor or allegory for other things in our lives. It may be the next stage in our career, role within our family and community, and the next challenge/achievement in your quest for personal excellence. Sit your Bucket List of dreams and goals alongside this ‘cup’, and it may include fluid contents like:

Triathletes: ITU World championships, Ironman 70.3 world championships (Las Vegas), Ironman triathlon world championships (Kona, Hawaii)

Runners: Boston Marathon, Big Five Marathons, Desert Challenges (Gobi, Sahara), Badwater, Leadville, Comrades, etc.

Swimmers: English Channel, Amazon River

Writers: Published in the major newspapers and magazines, published author, win the Booker Prize, Pulitzer Prize, etc.

Career executives: Reach senior management, C-level positions, starting an overseas business unit

Entertainers: Perform for royalty, head-of-states, celebrities, Fortune-100 companies, participate in the Olympics of magic FISM

Personal achievements: Earn a national award, represent your country, be #1 best blog/website, top-SEO rankings, raise the most funds for a charity, complete a tough challenge (10 Ironman triathlons back-to-back, run 100 miles within 24 hours)

Leadership Lessons: What would your grail look like? How would you fill your Cup? How often does your cup spill over? You can certainly modify your list as priorities change, and your talents and capabilities rise to the fore.