The running of the New York Marathon this past Sunday had me thinking of a great quote by William James.
He said, “Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second. Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.”
Inspiring right?
But what isn’t mentioned here is what it actually means to truly give it your all. And that while you’re “running your race,” you’re not actually alone.
So this morning we’re going to look at something that’s so key for all of us on an entrepreneurial journey – RESOURCES. And we’re going to look at them in two ways – internal and external.
And if you choose, as an exercise you can even make two lists – one for each.
First let’s talk about Internal Resources. There’s your experience, and your training – whether formal or otherwise. Remember, street smarts count. If you ever find yourself wondering, “What’s the right way to do this?” take a beat and ask yourself this way, “What’s the simple, appropriate thing to do or say that accomplishes the task?” Anything fancier than that is likely about controlling something that’s beyond you.
There’s your intelligence. And your resilience. Your curiosity and conscientiousness. Your humor and diplomacy. Your voice. Your point of view, and hopefully, your willingness and ability to look outside of it. We often take all of this for granted. And when we do, it just makes the same life and the same goals, more challenging.
Secondly, there are all of our External Resources. We have cell phones and computers. And various means of transportation and communication. We have money and time and energy, even if there’s always a desire for more. In particular, we have people. So many people. We have friends and family and colleagues. We have support professionals, from coaches and therapists, to doctors and lawyers, to dog walkers, cleaners and child care providers.
Though we sometimes relate to our races as sprints, it’s helpful to be reminded that at least the big ones tend to be marathons. And as we run them, and find ourselves in need, let’s not forget to look around – and within – and realize that there is so much available to us.
In fact, all of us here today make up a tremendous resource. And when we leverage it, we find ourselves – hands in the air – breaking the tape and crossing the finish line.
Ask for what you need. Provide what you can. Show up and participate on purpose. Track your time. Then try to beat it.
So what does your race look like? And what are the top resources you have, or need, to get the race run?
In my book, we all get medals!
