Catatonic, Floundering and Without Purpose
How many times have you found yourself at a point in your day where you're not quite sure what to do? You reached the proverbial fork in the road and you don't know which direction to take? Or, you find yourself wandering, floundering or moving without purpose or direction?
Some of you may know I run. I run regularly and sometimes I run far. But, each day, each week, each month I run with a purpose. I train for three (four if I'm lucky) Marathons per year. I do speed work on Wednesday's and Saturday's, hills on Thursday's and long runs on Monday's. Tuesday's, Thursday's and Sunday's are upper body and core work. Additionally, I raise money for injured Marines and their families and collect food for the local food bank.
What's Your Point?
Running Marathons, and for the purpose of this post running a successful business, is about planning, education, dedication, commitment, consistency, experience, flexibility, determination and discipline. It's also about setting specific, attainable, relevant goals and measuring success.
Within all of us is a desire to be great. We work hard to be good at something and to strive to do better. Without specific purpose or direction, the measure for success and the ability to get better is greatly hampered. Purpose enables direction and generates additional experiences, which leads to increased knowledge and expertise.
Success is Subjective
Success in Marathons is not necessarily determined by a clock, placement, points or money. It can be, but for most runners including myself, success is determined by personal objectives. A successful Marathon can be a new personal record (PR), running without hitting "the wall", or just finishing without being "swept from the course". It's a personal goal and when met the feeling is exhilarating. No one can take that experience away from you.
We all have a desire to excel and achieve goals. The difference between surviving and thriving, in my opinion, are defining specific purpose and goals, measuring success and building on experiences. If you don't know where you're going, how you got there or where you started, achieving goals and measuring success will be difficult. Additionally, you probably won't generate new experiences to build on.
Forward Movement
Sometimes our performance plateaus and we find ourselves in a funk. That's ok, but figure out why the energy level isn't optimal or why motivation is lacking. Maybe you need a break, the training is incorrect or nutrition is deficient.
If all else fails just put one foot in front of the other. Don't become paralyzed with indecision and seize. Forward movement is better than no movement at all. At least you'll finish and remember that can be an accomplishment all by itself. Just settle into your pace and listen to the rhythm of running.
Craig-- I think this is a wonderful analogy. Running is sometimes about pushing yourself even when you feel like giving up or even when there is a tough hill ahead. Business is the same way! Thanks for the great post and good luck with your marathons!
Hi Ilyce - Hey I think that's pretty cool you appreciate the post. That's right, determination and focus are key. It's also important to be in tune so you pace correctly when taking that tough hill. Always finish strong!
Craig -- I really loved your post. I am not a runner although I would call myself a avid road cyclist. I have had those days on the bike, while on a long hard climb that you feel as though you will never reach the top. It is through motivation, determination, and just the personal accomplishment that getting to the top is rewarding.
Business is the same...we stay focused and keep climbing and we get to where we want to be!!
Mike
Hi Mike - I'm really glad you liked it. Cycling can easily be used in lieu of running for the analogy or any sport for that matter. That's right, personal accomplishments are what it's all about. Success to you may mean different things to me or another reader. You're only competing with yourself, as long you as you are satisfied at the end of the day, that's what matters.
Craig - I always am in awe and admire your dedication to running. Your analogy here is spot on and thanks for putting it in a perspective that so many can relate to!
Hi Lisa - Thanks, I really love running. Clearly, it is evident through your writing you are dedicated, committed, disciplined and consistent. I would think you are satisfied with your Marathon and I'm sure you're striving for the next level.
I understand your point. Running works for you in so many ways. There is no way I can do what you do. I find the rhythms of dance, walking, pilates and meditational chanting mind altering. Modern science is proving the effects of many practices to build the brain.
Hi Deborah - Excellent, glad you got what I was getting at and thanks for the contribution.
Hi Craig.
REad your post via Dan Cummings blog..... wow.... I really needed to hear exactly that. Training for a marathon in Jan... I have reached a low point. I feel fatiged, just getting over a cold and not motivated. Never ran one before, but realized I just have to go the next step and commit to the fitness philosophy instead of trying to "get by" with my training. Although I have been very committed to my schedule, my eating habits are not good and I have stopped cross training and started to feel some aches and pains -- I am lazy! shame on me.... Get back out there with a purpose, do it right or don't do it.
I am adding core workouts on my off running days and a day of cycling (enjoy and loosens up my legs, hips)---
thanks for your inspiration.... Keep on telling it like it is.
pat murray
Hi Pat - Dan is a good man. Good, I'm glad you found my post and I'm very glad you got the message in time to get back on track. You will be successful in January.