I love to run races!  I have run 1-milers, 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, Duathlons (bike and run), Sprint Triathlons (swim, bike, run) and a Spartan (Obstacle) Race. There is joy and camaraderie among the participants at these races. When I am doubting my ability to finish a race, the spirit and enthusiasm of participants and spectators provides renewed energy so I can continue to press to the finish.

What I have learned from these races can be applied to our lives.

• We all move at different paces. The pace in which we move is right for us at that time. Depending on my age and training, I was faster.  I will be slower with a headwind, faster with a tailwind. Life is the same.  At times, we are moving briskly, everything is going for us. When BAM something gets in our way to slow us down.  It is important to keep moving, no matter the pace.  When we continue to take steps towards our goals, we are still moving forward.

• We all run a different race. Perhaps you question that – in a 5K race, isn’t everyone running the same race? Not exactly. I have asked those around me in races their reason for running: one person’s goal was to finish the race no matter the time, another runner was running in memory of a friend. Everyone’s reasons for running that day were different. Same with life, my goals are not your goals, nor are your goals my goals. 

• We are in this together. The year that my daughters and I decided to run the Columbus Half-Marathon for the first time, I found a training schedule and kept to it. My daughters’ training was not as consistent. On race day, my younger daughter and I were having an easy time of the race. My older daughter was struggling and told to run ahead. We chose to stick together, no matter the pace. When you are struggling in life, look around, there are others who will encourage you and stay by your side.

• Life is a mental game. Your mind will give up long before your body. At a recent race, I was feeling sluggish and ready to walk rather than run. I convinced myself to run until the next streetlight.  When I got there, I told myself to go a bit further.  Eventually, I worked through the hesitation and completed the race. We have to talk ourselves through many aspects of our lives. What we say to ourselves can make or break us. Keep it positive and encouraging. 

• Consistency in Preparation. The best are not always the ones that succeed, success comes from consistency. When the weather is bad, they adapt their training by running on a treadmill or wearing raingear during a run. They have a vision and consistently take steps towards reaching that goal. Whatever the goal may be, do the challenging work daily. The consistency compounds in success.

What race are you running? Which areas do you need to strengthen? Self-leadership is the key. A Self-Leadership Coach can help you master self-care, stop sabotaging new habits, and develop skills to help you succeed in the race of life.

#SelfDevelopment #SelfLeadership #Success