Keep Running: The Forrest Gump Lesson on Momentum and Purpose
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Start Running Before You Have a Reason
I did something I never thought I’d do this weekend. No, not skydiving or swimming with sharks—something even more rare for me: I decided to practice golf. Not just play. Not just show up and swing. I decided to actually focus on the one part of my game that always lets me down: the short game.
I didn’t try to overhaul my swing or shoot my lowest score ever. I just said, “Let me start somewhere. Let me work on one thing.”
And as I stood there practicing chip shots, I thought about Forrest Gump.
You know that iconic scene—he just decides to run. No grand plan. No road map. No promise of what happens next. Just pain in his heart, confusion in his life, and the simple, powerful decision to move forward.
And over time, that meaningless run turned into something meaningful. He built a following. He made an impact. But he wasn’t doing it for anyone. He was just trying to move.
That’s where so many of us get stuck.
Take Action—Even If You Don’t Know Why
If you’re waiting for a sign, a strategy, or someone to come rescue you, you’re already losing.
The helping hand you need is attached to the end of your own arm.
Too often we sit in our pain, confusion, or apathy, thinking some spark of motivation will find us. But what I’ve learned—and what Forrest taught me—is that action precedes purpose.
He didn’t run to find a following. He didn’t run to be a legend. He ran because sitting still hurt too much.
And eventually, people followed. Not because he marketed himself, but because he moved.
Influence Is Built Through Forward Motion
I love the part of that scene where he never looks back. Not once. He’s not counting his followers. He’s not refreshing analytics. He’s not chasing likes.
He’s just focused forward.
That’s the real mark of a leader.
You don’t have to convince people to follow you. You just have to take committed action in your own life. Because whether you realize it or not, there’s someone out there watching your journey, wondering if they have the strength to start their own.
And when you start solving your own problems—whether it’s getting out of debt, healing from loss, or building confidence—you give others permission to do the same.
You don’t need a million followers. You need one person who believes that if you could do it, maybe they can too.
Start with the person in the mirror.
Know When to Stop
Here’s what separates Forrest Gump from a lot of us: he knew when to stop.
He didn’t run forever. He didn’t keep going because he had a crowd. He didn’t stay in motion because his identity depended on it. One day, he just stopped.
And that’s a powerful reminder—you are not what you do.
You are not your job title. You are not your brand. You are not your relationship status, your follower count, or the letters after your name.
You’re valuable because of who you are, not what you produce.
If you’re in a season where the journey is over, it’s okay to stop. It’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to reintroduce yourself without apologizing for where you’ve been.
Like Forrest said, “I think I’ll stop now.” And sometimes, that’s the most courageous thing you can do.
Action Steps:
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Choose one stagnant area in your life and take the first small step—today.
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Focus forward. Stop checking who's watching, who's following, or who's clapping.
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Remind yourself: Action comes first. Purpose shows up later.
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Know when the season is over. Be willing to stop, pivot, and redefine yourself.