5 tips to find your success, 1 step at a time.
Picture yourself achieving the goal. Then figure out what steps will lead you there.
Around the age of 49, I started thinking about doing a marathon in my 50s. I had accomplished this only once in my life and had obviously forgotten how painful those long runs could be. But either way, I was determined to do a marathon again in my 50s. I defined my goal and signed up for the marathon in 2019. My marathon would be in May of 2020 in Green Bay and I was excited. Knowing 26.2 miles would be a huge undertaking, I began training. I trained four days per week running, and two days per week cross-training. Each week, I added another one or two miles onto my long run day. I was up to 14 miles when the marathon was canceled due to Covid in 2020. I had worked so hard and was wildly disappointed! I had been getting stronger each week and felt ready. Then, my life pivoted. In late 2020 I moved, was hired internally by one of my clients, met my now husband, and became busy enough that somehow training for a marathon wasn’t on my schedule anymore.
On a trip this spring to visit my in-laws, right after I resigned from my COO role to get back to coaching work, my husband and I went for a run and suddenly, the dream was back. I signed up for the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon that day. Then, the real work of it kicked in. From April until October, I ran 3-4 days per week, and the long runs were grueling. Every week I thought about quitting and asked myself why I was doing this. Each mile I added every week got harder and harder for me. I questioned if I could really do this more often than I believed I actually could. Spending 3 to 4 hours running on a given Thursday was my weekly routine all summer–and it hurt. I took ice baths to recover and dealt with lower back pain, swollen joints, and blisters, but still, I kept going. On race day – I woke up to 60% humidity and temps that would soar into the high 70s to 80s. I don’t do well running in the heat–the fear struck again. But had I signed up, I had done the training, and now I needed to follow through and see what I could do. On October 1st, I was able to complete that marathon. It took me far longer than I anticipated that day, but I finished proudly (blisters, aching feet, and joints notwithstanding).
I learned so many lessons along the way, including these that apply almost everywhere in life:
1: When you are struggling, it’s smart to ask for support (not weak…SMART).
My husband was my main support system through my training, and he was incredible. He never let me give up on myself. The cheering crowds along the marathon route ALL helped me keep going. So many individuals looked me in the eye who didn’t even know me and said, “You’ve got this”. They were incredible influencers that day. Lean on others and trust others to support you and help. Showing up and being vulnerable is a superpower in work and in life.
2: When you need to build confidence, mark down your accomplishments.
Even the small accomplishments matter. Writing them down helps you create a list you can go back to on your toughest days. When the tough days will come, those words will encourage you to believe in what you’re capable of.
3: When you feel like a goal is too high or too difficult, take baby steps to get there.
Take things one step at a time (or for me, it was literally one mile at a time each day) until you reach the end goal. Sometimes the BIG goal is overwhelming; when you just hit 16 miles in a marathon and realize you still have 10.2 to go and you’re more tired than you’ve ever been in your life, you need to think ONLY about the short term. Just keep running. Just one more mile. In business, just one more report, project, activity, call to a client – just one more step.
4: When you hit the wall, find your WHY.
Why are you trying to get that job? Gain a promotion? Close a deal? Lead your team? Your WHY should get you through the wall. My why was to prove to myself that I’m capable of anything I set my mind to – mentally, physically, and emotionally.
5: Most importantly: VISUALIZE – visualize success!
As FranklinCovey says, “Begin with the end in mind.” I can’t tell you how many times I pictured myself crossing that finish line. It got me through many tough runs and that day, I pictured it every step of the way.
I hope this helps you in some way today or in your future. And remember - You’ve Got This! As always, my mission is to create a positive impact in your life. Please reach out if I can help you take that next step in your leadership and professional development journey.
Here’s to your growth and your success!
Lori