
10 Business and Life Lessons I Learned from Running (that you don't have to be a runner to learn)...
1. When you find yourself going up a tough hill, keep your pace steady. 50 or 100 yards past the hill, your legs and lungs recover, and you'll find you've passed people who gave up before they made it to the top. (and you may just inspire someone who doesn't think they can make it up).
"Hills" happen in life, business, parenthood, marriage, and careers. They're part of the course. One of the most important things to realize here, is that they happen to everyone.
Sure, not everyone is on the same path as you. Everyone doesn't follow your timeline, or your health journey...but everyone has hills. Some people's seem not as steep to you, some seem insurmountable, but that's based on your experiences, not theirs.
Having the faith that you are supported in making it to the top of your hill, that other people have been there, and that you're not alone is fuel to help you keep the pace and keep going. You've made it this far, right?!
2. Keep your hands loose. Gripping into a fist tightens everything up and makes you focus on the tightness. When you can keep your hands open, it's easier to pay attention to what your body's telling you. (You can't receive with a closed fist...money, love, information, inspiration, or guidance. Be open.)
We tighten up when we worry too much about HOW. How will I finish this race? I'm so tired. How will I afford the mortgage this month? We've had so many extra expenses. How will I get all this work done? There aren't enough hours in the day.
Release the how. Trust and surrender that you are being loved and supported. Trust that it will work out even if you don't know how. You're not really in control. Release the need to know the details, take the action you know how to take, and trust.
3. Be aware of obstacles in front of you, but always keep your gaze on the horizon.
There will always be things on the path to trip you up. Sometimes they feel like a little test of your resolve. Prove to yourself you can bust through, hop over, or sidestep challenges.
Look at them as providing information for your journey, not something to stop you.
4. When something is uncomfortable or painful, acknowledge it instead of ignoring it. Thank it for the information, keep going if you can and give yourself grace if you need to rest. Sometimes that's all it takes for the pain to subside.
We make ourselves sick by ignoring pain. Whether the pain is physical, mental, spiritual or emotional, it's there to give us information. It's safe to acknowledge it, thank it for bringing you the information, and decide whether your system can keep going or if it needs a rest.
5. Go at your own pace. Listen to your body, not what's going on around you. If you go out too fast, you'll burn out...too slow and you'll be disappointed. Go within and find your pace.
Sometimes we look around and everyone seems to be so much farther along than we are. We panic, start hyper-focusing on the hustle, the action, the doing.
Taking time to sit in silence and shut out the noise of the world is essential for us to breathe, relax, and be guided to the next step. We get to work and live at a pace that is joyful and good for us, regardless of what someone else's journey looks like.
6. Strive to occasionally run with someone who is a little faster than you and has some experience with the course. It will make you better than staying in your comfort zone and running with people who are slower than you.
Don't be intimidated by people who know more than you. You can learn from them, and chances are, they will learn something from you, too. We all have our unique gifts that we were created to share.
One person's success doesn't mean your failure, just as your success doesn't undermine someone else's. Celebrate others instead of comparing yourself to them. And celebrate yourself as you grow!
7. Fuel your body. Eat too little and you'll bonk. Eat too much and you'll feel like crap. Your body knows how much to eat. Listen to it.
You don't need a diet plan, an exercise routine, or more information for your body to be at its optimal condition.
You need to learn to listen to your body's wisdom. She knows.
8. Nod, wave, or say hi to runners you pass along the way. It'll put a pep in your step, and hopefully in theirs.
I triple dog dare you to look people in the eye, smile and say hi when you pass them in the street, in the store, etc.
Worse case scenario, they look at you like you're crazy and you can laugh about it.
Or, maybe they will smile back.
Best case scenario is they will smile back, feel happy and smile at the next person they pass, and on and on. Ripple effect!
9. Rest days are as important as running days. Your body, mind, and spirit need it.
This cannot be understated. Whether we are talking about your daily routine, your work schedule, your exercise...Rest is required. We were created to need it to renew and replenish. Don't skip it.
10. There is no bad run. If you put on your shoes and get out there, it counts.
Keep trying.
Take one little step at a time, and build on it.
Don't worry about all the things, just one thing at a time. It will all get done.
If you want it, and you move toward it, you are letting God and the Universe know your intention. And then miracles happen.
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