Hey, just know upfront that this post is waaaaaaay longer than I like to write. So, since it’s rare, would you please consider indulging yourself?
May, 2008. Nearly 18 months ago, just before Tiger Woods went to California to win the US Open and in the process, injure his knee, I had three brief opportunities to speak with Tiger.
First I asked Tiger Woods, “What one piece of advice would you give to anyone who wanted to be world-class?” Tiger said, “Out work ’em!”
As he was getting up to walk away I asked, “Do you ever get tired of being famous?” Like I stated in yesterday’s post, Tiger said, “Since day one.”
As luck would have it, Tiger and I crossed paths a second time, “Tiger, if you had it to do all over again, would you go the famous route?” Tiger said matter-of factly, “It’s not about being famous, it’s about winning!”
I thanked Tiger for his time and wished him luck and success on his rehab and upcoming US Open.
At the end of each Gold’s Gym workout, I finish up in a small, carpeted room (maybe 16′ x 16′) to work on some core exercises. The last of these core exercises is called a plank. Similar to doing a pushup, face down, but you’re on your elbows and you simply hold a stiff position for one minute.
When I look up to leave and pick up my son in the Kiddie Gym, who is lying next to me but Tiger Woods. I mean, what are the odds?
I promised myself I wouldn’t “bother” him anymore. And besides, I had less than a minute to make it to the Kiddie Gym before it closed. No time to talk, even if I wanted to.
With my son (7) on my back (he couldn’t walk this day), and sweat pouring down my face, we head to the Gym exit.
But wait.
A voice inside my head, “You will regret this for the rest of your life if you don’t do it. You’ve been coming here for two years and you’ve never seen Tiger Woods, and you may never see him again.”
“Do it, or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life”, I whisper forcefully to myself.
We reverse direction, and find Tiger. At this point I’ve convinced myself that I don’t care what he thinks, all I care about is not living with regret.
“Tiger, I’m not afraid of no. I have big dreams about things I want to accomplish. I’d love to have 30 minutes of your time. We could meet for coffee somewhere.”
“Give me your number”, he said politely.
While Tiger has never called me, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that I am not living with regret.
I hope Tiger can say the same thing.