Grinding it out

 

"What keeps you going?"

That's a fair question.  Whether business or personal, we've set targets and we've committed to achieving our goals.  Staying motivated and focus is critical to our success.

Famed psychologist Abraham Maslow studied and wrote about human motivation.  Maslow identified foundational needs we all have - water, food, air, for example.  As human beings we have important growth and emotional needs specific to love, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.  For most of us, that's what keeps us going.

The fact is that we're not always in the spotlight, on stage, or even around others.  People do not always have the chance to support us.  Most of the hard work is done behind the scenes, often alone.  It's one thing to execute when you are in a group or on a team, but what keeps you going when you are grinding it out - those early mornings, late nights, and weekends? 

I was out on a long training run the other day and I was thinking about that very question.  I was tired, hot, and ready to be done.  Slowing down seemed like an acceptable idea at the time.  What kept me going?

Very simple... other people.  When I see someone down the trail running towards me it always gets me motivated.  I find myself working harder when I see someone out there.  On an otherwise long, solitary run it is always fun to see someone doing the same thing.   That's an inspiring moment, and part of me thinks that other person may just feel the same way.  We may share a casual wave or "hello", but on some level we're experiencing the "bonding" and "relatedness" Maslow described.  If were to give in, would I be letting them down?  Most important, would I be letting myself down?

I don't always have the luxury of seeing someone out there on the horizon.  Visualization is important, and sometimes I just have to assume there is someone just around the corner.  So I challenge myself - stay strong, and assume you'll find someone around the bend.  You never know what you may run into! 

Performing when nobody's watching is tough - it takes mental discipline and focus.  If I knew someone else was around that corner, would I put in the work?  Of course! That's what grinding it out is all about.  Whether we're working hard to finish a great quarter at work or training for a race we're taking care of basic needs, and much of that involves people. 

For those I see on the trail.. I appreciate the interaction, and thank you for helping me stay strong!