One of my greatest passions is running. For me, running is much more than a way to stay fit; it’s a discipline that keeps my body in shape and ensures I give my body the care it needs. It takes persistence and dedication to maintain a regular running schedule, but like all things in life, discipline will get you places.
Running is not just about physical fitness. It oxygenates my body and fuels my energy levels, providing a necessary boost to tackle the day’s challenges. It also clears my mind from the daily rush of over information and stress.
The time I spend running is a precious opportunity for self-reflection, allowing me to see things more clearly and focus on what truly matters. This clarity and focus, I believe, make me a better person and a more complete leader.
I can’t stop re-reading an old article the World Economic Forum published on Forbes almost a decade ago. The article, titled “5 Ways Running Can Make You A Better Leader,” highlights how running can enhance leadership qualities. Here are some key takeaways and how they resonate with my own experiences:
Firstly, the article emphasizes the importance of having clear goals. In running, just like in leadership, knowing your goal and truly wanting it provides the motivation and drive to push through challenges. Whether it’s training for a race or leading a team towards a strategic objective, having a clear vision of what you want to achieve gives you a sense of purpose that helps you get through even the most soul-destroying tasks.
Secondly, the article points out that if you’re always at your peak, you’re not truly at your peak. This resonates with my approach to both running and leadership. Effective runners prepare to perform at their best on race day, not every day. Similarly, in leadership, it’s crucial to understand when to push hard and when to rest and recover. This balance ensures that we can peak when it really matters, avoiding burnout and maintaining high performance over the long term.
Another crucial lesson from the article is that psychology plays a key role in both running and leadership. Physical fitness is essential, but mental preparation is equally important. In running, being mentally prepared helps you handle high-pressure scenarios and unexpected challenges. As a leader, staying focused, anticipating needs, and being prepared for the unexpected are vital traits that help me and my team navigate through crises.
The article also talks about the importance of being in it for the long run. Running, especially long-distance running, teaches you to look beyond immediate rewards and focus on long-term goals. This mindset is critical in leadership, where the challenges we face are often complex and require sustained effort and commitment.
Finally, investing in communities is highlighted as a key aspect of both running and leadership. Running might seem like an individual sport, but it thrives on community support—from teammates, coaches, to volunteers. Similarly, effective leadership involves building and nurturing a strong community. Drawing on this support network is essential for achieving success, and giving back to the community reinforces the collaborative spirit needed to make a significant impact.
I have learned to love running. The effort I put into it pays back immensely. It’s healthy me-time, and it reminds me that results come with effort, always. Running has taught me these invaluable lessons, and they continue to shape my approach to leadership and life. Have you found similar lessons in unexpected places?
