Lacing Up My Running Shoes

Over the years, I’ve written several times about running. It’s my primary form of exercise. It’s also something that I truly enjoy. I like the health benefits of exercise. I love the “runner’s high” that comes with the release of endorphins after a run. But the part of running that is most meaningful to me is the opportunity to clear my mind and escape from a pressing “to do” list so that I can think about things that are bigger and more strategic. Many of you will never “love” running the way that I do. My goal with this blog isn’t to convert anyone into a runner. Instead, my invitation is for you to honestly consider how often you make the time for this kind of deeper reflection. Do you find yourself racing from one urgent activity to the next? When you finally leave the office, do you just replace the hectic pace of the job with an equally hectic family calendar? If so, you may be a model of efficiency. You may be far more “productive” than anyone else that you know. You may feel great about how much you get done. But if you’re a leader, I don’t think that this is the right standard by which you should measure your effectiveness. I’ve always been drawn to Warren Bennis’s definition that a leader is someone who “does the right thing.” If you don’t ever step away from the urgent, you can’t even evaluate whether you’re doing the right things. Some of my best “work” has been done in a pair of running shorts with sweat dripping off my face. So if lacing up running shoes isn’t the right answer for you, what could give you the opportunity to de-clutter your mind and focus on the things that are most important? It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>