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Go The Distance.

Writer's picture: Gordon BonkerGordon Bonker

Updated: Jan 17, 2022

When I was a little kid I was obsessed with Hercules. I probably watched that movie 1,000 times in my life from the ages of 2-7 and that is not an exaggeration. My parents can probably still quote it line to line.


As far as Disney films from my childhood go, it's right up there with Toy Story and Lion King, with a sound track that competes right there with Phil Collin's masterpieces in Tarzan. (go ahead debate me, I dare you)


In the movie there was a song that still gets me fired-up when I hear it as a 25-year old man. Yes, I do have a Disney sound track song on my Spotify playlist and yes it is still an absolute banger.


In the movie, Hercules recognizes he is in an environment that is not capturing his greatest potential. He has incredible strength but is not being provided with the opportunities to utilize it correctly. He's different than those around him, and he is clearly misunderstood in his community. He feels like he doesn't belong.


But as the story continues, Hercules sets out on his journey to find where he truly belongs, and discovers where he was meant to be.


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Our career is undoubtedly connected to our life's journey. By no means is it the sole purpose of our life's journey, and sticking with the Hercules theme here, I don't even think Zeus can tell you that.


But our career does have its trials and tribulations, and many of you will feel periods of time where you are just not in the right environment. You will feel like you are not utilizing your full potential. And you might just be misunderstood from your peers around you.


That is okay. This is simply a part of your journey. It is not your final destination. It is not where you're meant to be.


I went through a very difficult time in my career last year, moving through difficult work environments that were challenging both culturally and operationally. It was so different than what I had experienced in the beginning of my career at my first company.


I took these challenges EXTREMELY personally. I let it really effect my mental and physical health. I was so focused on how I was NOT where I wanted to be in my journey. But every mile traveled along your journey will get you closer to your destination. I promise.


So if you are stuck in your current job, or your current path in life, do not let it overwhelm you. Keep pushing forward. If you are having trouble thinking what you want to do next, you should think about 2 factors:


  1. What do I enjoy?

  2. What am I good at?


Somewhere in the intersection of these two points will provide you direction on where to go next. And that next spot might not necessarily be your final destination. In fact, there's a good chance it won't be. But it will get you closer than where you were before. And that's what matters.


We all have one life to live. And unfortunately, many of us spend it not chasing the things that really light our fire. As Walt Disney famously said himself,


“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”


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This post isn't just supposed to be a sappy motivational quote wrapped in a blog post. There is so much real meaning behind these quotes and stories that can be applied directly to what you are going through in your own journey.


The song I still resonate with so much from Hercules is Go the Distance. I'll leave you with the lyrics-I love the second verse, it means the most to me. It reminds me that every up and down, every set-back, every step in my journey through life and my career, will get me closer to where I'm meant to be.


It's the same for you.


Go the Distance.


I have often dreamed

Of a far off place

Where a great warm welcome

Will be waiting for me

Where the crowds will cheer

When they see my face

And a voice keeps saying

This is where I'm meant to be


I will find my way

I can go the distance

I'll be there someday

If I can be strong

I know every mile

Will be worth my while

I would go most anywhere

To feel like I belong


I will beat the odds

I can go the distance

I will face the world

Fearless, proud, and strong

I will please the gods

I can go the distance

Till I find the Hero's welcome

Right where I belong





Me as Hercules, Halloween 1999







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