Porsche Picture

March, 2024

My brother-in-law, Jim, once worked for a guy who had a picture of a Porsche on his desk. Jim was perplexed because he knew that this guy indeed did not drive a Porsche. When he asked him about the pic, it was all clear. He knew what he wanted and this was what he was working towards. Of course he had a picture of a Porsche on his desk, duh!

My sister Laura (married to Jim) and I talked about this at a time she was deciding to go back to work after staying home with her daughter. She knew what her ‘Porsche’ picture was and it made me think. What is your Porsche picture? What is that goal you are working towards, the thing you are working hard day after day to achieve. The ‘why’ that sits on a frame on your desk to remind you of that goal you are working towards and you WILL make happen.

As I tried to fill this metaphorical frame, this came about at a time I worked at a job that paid well, had a great bonus, and came with equity for the inevitable IPO. I could have put a lot of shiny things into that frame for when (and if) that IPO happened. But the reality of the situation was this: I hated everything about that job and literally nothing could go into this 5x7 picture frame and feel worth it.

Instead, my ‘Porsche picture’ became a picture of freedom from this company. And just freedom in general. An image of me skiing and biking and running, and doing these at any time on any day I wanted. My Porsche picture included my dog, Ripley, and playdates at Round Valley whenever we choose! My Porsche picture became my Ripley Round Valley Running Picture (RRVRP). A picture of what I wanted more than anything – time, freedom, and hanging out with my doggy!

And then it happened as it was supposed to with what I was manifesting with my Ripley Round Valley Running Picture (formerly known as Porsche picture). I left my job and went all in on what this picture – this beacon of hope and inspiration – provided. And now, I run Ripley whenever we want and am spending my free time reporting to ME (ok, and Ripley). I am currently ski instructing for the National Ability Center, learning to skate ski and play tennis, hit the ski resorts a silly amount, and have written and read and dreamed.

I have fulfilled my ‘Porsche Picture’. Which means…

It is time to start figuring out what the next picture in this frame might be and go out there and make it happen! I’m not sure exactly what that is just yet and need to figure it out before I can put the picture in the frame and go after it… but 'I’ve got some ideas so stay tuned! I just know that when we define what it is we want, we can figure out the steps to get there and make it happen. No matter what, we CAN make it happen. One bite at a time.

And don’t worry, the RRVRP will always be in a very important spot on my desk :)