What Can We Learn From Running?

I the past few weeks I started a new training program in preparation for my first ever triathlon. Not being exceptional in any one of the triathlon events I have spent a lot of time training in all three categories, bike, run and swim.

Here are a few things I have learned that relate to success in business:

It's all in your head! A friend of mine told me that running is a mental game. She said I need to stay focused on what I am thinking and my body will just take over. Huh?! Are you kidding me? Tell that to the pains I get in my side......okay, she was right.

Question, what do you think about all day at work? Are you obsessed with negative thoughts? Thoughts like; I hate my job, I can't stand this place, I wish I could go home, If my manager asks me to do one more thing I am going to lose it, why do I bother, etc.
If we will focus on the dialogue that happens inside our heads and force our self to talk in terms of what we want rather than what we don't want our bodies will take over and lead us to the places we want to be!

Focus on what is right in front of you, don't look to the end until it is here.
I used to get very discouraged when I ran because I was always looking way ahead to the end of the run. It always felt like I wasn't getting any closer and that it was taking forever to reach the finish. I have since changed my approach, I focus on the ground in front of me, watching it pass by with every step, now when I look up I feel like I have gone far.

In life, we must clearly know where we are going and the path we must take to get there. Keeping the end in mind we should set ourselves on course focusing on the tasks at hand day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. Every so often we should lift our eyes and check our progress....are we still on track? how close are we now? what adjustments shall I make moving forward? Think of the word WIN....What's Important Now?

Pace yourself before you burn out!
As a driver type personality, when I go, I GO. When it comes to running, once I start I am on....... full steam ahead. The problem with this is that while I was easily able to finish half my planned distance in only 10 minutes, the second half of the run would take me 20 minutes with great pain. What I learned was I needed to pace myself, run at a slower more consistent speed so I could finish strong.

How is your pace at work? Do you feel burned out at the end of the day, week or month? Do you have a hard time turning off your work? Could it be that you are moving too fast or carrying so much burden that the stress is overwhelming you? Do you have an even balance between work and home? For your health's sake, slow down, take it easy and above all find a way to work hard and steady. Ask yourself "What is my health worth?" We can't afford to burn out, there are too many people counting on us, primarily our loved ones; if you won't do it for yourself, do it for them!

What lessons have you learned from your past times or hobbies? Please share them with me, I love to learn from real life experiences!