The sight of 50,000 runners gathering together for the gruelling 26.2 mile journey through the streets of London is always an inspiration. You cannot fail but be impressed by the culmination of weeks and months of hard work, practice and commitment. Qualities that are critical to success in any field. So, as you watch this weekend’s coverage of the London Marathon, follow the example of those running to help you achieve your own commercial personal best.
Putting in the hours
According to the 10,000 hour rule, it takes 10 000 hours of deliberate practice to become world class in any field. This is true when it comes to running a marathon or developing your commercial skills. It’s the work that goes on behind the scenes that sets you up for success. Once you have set your SMART goal, make it actionable by creating a training plan to hold yourself to account to help you reach your peak performance.
Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint
When it comes to learning a new skill or taking up a new sport, it can be tempting to get carried away in a burst of energy. Unfortunately, this enthusiasm can be hard to maintain long term. So, remember to pace yourself. Consistency is key. Draw on your self-control and adopt a disciplined approach to developing your skills. It will pay dividends in the long run.
Celebrating the milestones
It takes momentum to achieve your personal best. A powerful way to stay motivated is to celebrate the small victories along the way. In the case of the marathon this could be completing your first park run or a half marathon. For the commercial athlete who wants to hone their presenting skills, it could be agreeing to join a panel for a Q&A. Rewarding yourself for these small wins will incentivise you going forward and help you move a step closer to achieving your ultimate goal.
Hitting the wall
As the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. No matter how much preparation you do, most of us face challenges that threaten to derail our goals. For marathon runners this is often at the 18 mile point, when the temptation to give up can be huge. The secret is to draw on your resilience and remind yourself how far you have come. Silence your negative inner voice by adopting a winning mindset and telling yourself “you can do this!”
Crossing the finish line
We’ve all experienced that feeling of euphoria when you finally achieve your goal – whether it’s completing 26.2 miles or delivering a challenging project at work. After you’ve given yourself a congratulatory slap on the back, remember to adopt the principle of plan, do and review. Ask yourself what went well and what you would do differently next time to help improve your performance going forward. Then look to the horizon and set a new goal. This doesn’t mean you have to sign up for another marathon, it’s about finding a new way to challenge yourself so you remain in your area of best performance.
By following the steps above, you will be well on your way to achieving your personal best in whatever ‘marathon” you are training for. Finally, all that remains is to wish those running on Sunday the best of luck!
