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Five things running taught me about business strategy

I love running. There is something elegantly simple about it. You can do it almost anywhere and with very little equipment. And it's something that we, as humans, have evolved to do over hundreds of thousands of years.

But what does running have to do with strategy? At least five things, I think.

1. Thinking about running

Despite its elegant simplicity (left foot, right foot, repeat...) there is an almost infinite variety of different ways in which people approach running. 

One only has to look at the number of books written on the subject to see this.

Training for and running a 5km race is very different from training for and running a 100-mile race. Road races are different from trail races (as well as all manner of 'adventure' races).

And there is:

  • running form,
  • cadence,
  • a seemingly infinite variety of different types of training runs,
  • cross-training,
  • hydration,
  • nutrition (both in general and while running),
  • warm-up and recovery,
  • dealing with injuries,
  • mental preparation,
  • race tactics, 
  • a huge variety of different types of shoes,
  • specialist clothing for all conditions,
etc., to consider.

And so most runners know that to progress beyond a certain level you need to approach running strategically. Just like in business, progressing as a runner requires that you:

  1. Study and understand what makes a great runner - see running form, cadence, etc. listed above.
  2. Understand your own strengths and weaknesses, both physically and mentally.
  3. Have clear goals of what kind of runner you want to be. What distances you want to run and on what type of terrain. How competitive versus social you want to be. Focus is essential.
  4. Understand your circumstances relative to those goals. This includes other time commitments, access to the type of terrain you want to run and other such resources.
  5. Develop a clear plan of how you intend to achieve your goals, taking your strengths, weaknesses and circumstances into account.
  6. Execute that plan with discipline and diligence. Even when it's cold and wet out. Adapting around all the other distractions of life that inevitably intervene from time to time.
  7. Track your progress and adjust your plans as you go. Nothing ever goes exactly to plan.

I started running relatively late in life. At the time, I could barely run 2km without collapsing in a puffing and panting heap. All I wanted to do was get a little fit. However, as I gained a basic level of fitness, I started to think about running more strategically (as I eventually do with most things in life!) Eventually, a few short years later, I ended up running a 50-mile trail ultra-marathon.

When I started running, I knew nothing about ultra-marathons. I certainly would never have imagined I could ever actually run one. Running has taught me that:

With thought and insight, planning and preparation, and discipline in execution, people and businesses can achieve almost unbelievable things. (Tweet this!)

2. Thinking while running

Running, particularly longer distances, gives you lots of time to think. There is something meditative in the simple and repetitive motion of running. It clears your head. Some runners like to use headphones and music to pass the time while running. But I usually avoid this, preferring just to be present in the activity.

I've done some of my best thinking while running. Being unable to take notes or start acting on my thoughts immediately, leaves me free to think more deeply than I otherwise might. And, of course, after a run, I come back to the world with a clearer head. I am more ready than before to tackle whatever the day demands.

Sometimes you can get so close to a seemingly intractable strategic problem that you can no longer see the forest for the trees. (Tweet this!

When that happens, it is useful to have a way to step back from the problem. To change your mode of thinking. To give yourself enough space to see things differently. Sometimes, the simple act of going for a walk around the block is enough. Other times you need something more. And with most things in life, practice makes perfect.

3. Learning to dig deep

No strategy is ever plain sailing. As Machiavelli said, "It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out nor more doubtful of success nor more dangerous to handle than to initiate a new order of things." Executing strategy takes hard work and often long hours. The circumstances are often emotionally charged. Let's face it - it can be draining at times.

Long distances running teaches you to remain focused up to and beyond the point of total exhaustion.

Physical and mental fitness are a key determinant of success in business as much as they are in running. (Tweet this!)

4. Being flexible

Let's face it: things don't always go according to plan. No matter how well you prepare, things still go wrong on a run. Anything from bad weather, to a dodgy prawn the night before, to blisters, chafing or other injuries, to getting lost on the trail, can threaten your run.

With experience and foresight, you can anticipate and avoid many issues. You can carry a waterproof jacket and mobile phone case. You can eat only tried and tested safe meals leading up to a race. You can wear twin-skin socks. You can carry a map and compass, etc. Other times, you have no choice but to bail out of a run early. This can be heartbreaking if its a race you've spent months preparing for!

Training, also, may not go according to plan. Work and family commitments, illness, etc. can call get in the way.

The key, in running as in business, is preparation, anticipation AND flexibility. Bake those into your plans. Don't treat them as an afterthought AFTER things don't go according to plan.

Bake preparation, anticipation and flexibility into your plans, not AFTER things don't go according to plan. (Tweet this!)

5. Remembering to have fun

There is a certain physical pleasure you get from pushing your body beyond its limits. There is also the satisfaction you get from achieving things you couldn't do before. And there is joy in just being outside and on the trails. You get the best views, I believe, by running to the top of the hill. I've seen some spectacular sights when out running. I've observed the changing seasons in the forest more keenly than I otherwise would have.

They say it's important to stop and smell the flowers from time to time. Running affords me a unique opportunity to do so.

Of course, there have been early morning training runs, when it's cold, dark and wet outside. Times when I've had to remind myself that I enjoy running. But at the end of the day, I know I'd never have kept it up if I didn't enjoy it as an activity in itself and because of the sense of achievement I've gotten from it.

And I think it is the same with business strategy also. As noted above, it can be physically and mentally draining. If you don't enjoy the process, and if you aren't intrinsically motivated by what you're trying to achieve, it will be hard, if not impossible, to keep performing at your best. 

Indeed, one might question whether struggle without enjoyment makes any sense at all. (Tweet this!)

So whatever business you're in, and whatever strategy you're pursuing, make sure it is something that brings you some joy. And in the difficult times - for they will come - make an effort to keep some fun in the process.

I am no running coach, but I am a strategy consultant. For a confidential conversation about how I could help your business, please contact me.

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