About a month ago I ran my first marathon. While the experience boosted my stamina and helped me maintain an overall healthier lifestyle, all of the training and effort that went into this 26.2 mile run also had unintended and significant side benefits. It made me a better leader and a more focused and confident professional.
The qualities that make us great professionals are not gained only on the job. So many of the things that make us better at our jobs can come from accomplishments outside of the workplace. Here’s how that’s worked out for me:
It reinforced the power of a network. Running has been a lifelong hobby and just that. At the beginning of 2021, I joined a local running group. What has always been a solo activity turned into a powerful support network that helped me to feel more confident in my abilities, as well as increased my passion for the sport.
It made me more confident. The confidence I gained from running has transferred over to my professional life. Confidence can be a bit elusive and intangible. I think confidence, or a lack thereof, underpins a lot of what can hold people back professionally. For example, imposter syndrome, anxiety, indecisiveness and a lack of focus, determination and motivation can all hold us back from performing our best.
It’s a reminder that achieving big goals is possible. A goal is just a wish until you write it down and commit to it. Creating a goal around the thing I love doing and then succeeding at it has been incredibly rewarding. When there are professional setbacks, the race is something to positively reflect on. I know that I am capable, strong and resilient. That is true of goal-setting in the workplace.
Personal passions can provide stress relief. I do some of my best problem-solving when I’m out on a long run. It’s also a great de-stressor for me, which benefits my family, co-workers and clients.
Don’t ignore your passions; pursue them! You might be surprised at how activities outside of your work life can offer tremendous career benefits.
Gina Preoteasa, Senior Vice President