Success is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: How to Fall in Love with the Journey
Today’s professional world is moving at a breakneck pace and seems to be speeding up all the time. It’s no wonder, then, that everything we do seems to be measured by instant results. The quicker we can see the fruits of our labor, the more successful we feel, and the more in-demand our skills become. However, authentic success, the kind that forms the foundation of careers that we can look back on and be proud of, is not built by a list of positive results. It is developed by enjoying the journey and the processes that we take.
Much in the way that marathon runners keep a steady pace and sprint only when necessary, being a successful business leader requires staying focused on the journey, and not on the results.
Why success is NOT a sprint
A smart runner who wanted to complete a marathon knows that she can’t sprint the entire 26.2 miles. An intelligent business leader likewise knows that she must have a plan to keep her business growing and moving at a steady rate. She knows that:
Sprints cannot be maintained, and lead to burnout – constantly pushing limits can lead to burnout and high turnover of top talent
Sprints are not repeatable – the factors leading up to and influencing each sprint will be unique, which makes each one a gamble because they will all be different
Sprints leave you vulnerable – during recovery, as the dust settles, competitors have a chance to catch up to you and anticipate your next moves
Sprints do not provide valuable data – because sprints happen so quickly, they do not give an opportunity to gather as much useful information as a slower-paced, well-thought-out plan
Falling in love with the journey
Loving the journey will keep you motivated and focused when things are hard. Also, it will strengthen your leadership skills because you will be able to help your team refocus when doubt or fatigue sets in. However, easier said than done. Here are some ways to fall in love with the process of success:
Reward yourself and your team for the effort, not just results – recognition of all the hard work that you and your team pour into projects along the way acts as a second wind
Identify what you enjoy about the daily practices behind your business – the ability to enjoy some of the day-to-day of your work
Celebrate milestones along the way – break up big projects or goals into smaller finish lines to motivate your team
Share micro-successes with your team – as a leader, you have a bird’s-eye view of the journey, so find small wins to share with your team
When to sprint
Many distance runners incorporate sprints into their training. In the professional world, sometimes sprints can take the form of impromptu meetings and fast-paced launch sessions. In this way, sprints can become a part of the process without endangering your plan for steady success.
All too often, success is categorized as a single event and not as a process. Learning how to focus less on the end goal and more on the journey will get you the results you want and need. In other words, love the process, and the results will follow. Want to know how to build bulletproof methods for your business? Contact Leadership Delta today to see how we can help get you on the path to success.