Marathon Mindset: Running Towards Leadership Excellence and Personal Growth

In this episode, we dive into how training for a marathon mirrors many life and business challenges. Brian and I discuss the unexpected yet profound parallels between training for a marathon and the broader strategies that we can all apply to life’s challenges, from engaging more deeply in our work environments to enhancing our daily personal interactions. Join us as we explore these unique insights and their wide-reaching implications for all of us.

The Marathon Mindset

Marathon training can teach us unexpected lessons about excelling in leadership and life. In our conversation, we delve into how the discipline of running a marathon can translate into powerful strategies for personal and professional growth. We also share how adopting a runner’s focus on preparation, patience, adaptability, and mindfulness can fundamentally change the way you approach team dynamics and personal challenges.

Preparation and practice

Preparation and practice are key for athletes before the big event. In a marathon context, preparation involves three months of training, while the practice is divided into one-month cycles. This framework can also be applied to a business setting, such as setting quarterly objectives and breaking them down into smaller goals.

Plan and Patience

Plan and patience is about what’s happening in the moment. It’s having a plan, being aware of the plan in the moment, and being patient with whatever is happening internally, emotionally, or intellectually. Patience is about trusting the process. If you’ve done the preparation and practice, your patience will be elevated because you’re trusting in the skills you’ve developed before you even showed up.

Adapt and act

Adaptability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical skill for navigating the hurdles that inevitably arise. When we adapt, we adapt to act. We’re adapting to what’s happening in our bodies and what’s happening around us, and then we’re acting with a new sense of urgency, or a new awareness. It’s important that we not only adapt, but in that adaptation, we’re ready to then do something that is going to help us get around the next challenge.

Mindfulness and presence

To be mindful – that is to slow down, breathe deeply, be more grounded, talk with someone, go on a walk outside or to read something – allows us to be present. And in that being present, we can become less judgmental, more kind towards ourselves and more aware of what’s in our control.

Mindfulness is critical for athletes to maintain focus and stay present during high-stakes events. Being fully present and engaged in the moment can significantly impact your ability to navigate goals and challenges. By practicing mindfulness, leaders can also enhance their experiences and ensure that their actions are in harmony with their goals.

Your Marathon Mindset

The principles of marathon training are not only applicable to running but also to leading and living with excellence. We encourage you to cherry-pick from our insights—whether it’s the focus on preparation, the value of adaptability, or the practice of mindfulness—and incorporate them into your daily routines!

We would love to hear from you about your marathon mindset – connect with me at nathan@leadershipvisionconsulting.com.