I did it. No, no, not a true ironman, but a completed series of 26.2mi running, 112mi biking, and a 2-mile swim in a span of one week.
On top of, client work, hospital work, kids, husband, pets, house, and more (add in sickness and vomiting of one of the kids and school activities for them both). Yeah, I was busy.
But in all this, completing an Ironman taught me about business. I learned that:
I can do anything I put my mind to (like an Ironman), even if it is a little bit at a time.
Ironman started during a day I worked 14 hrs “Come join us for an ironman challenge – we all start Feb 18” Sounds good. I’m in, I thought. Shoot. How am I going to do this after working for 14 hours!? It’s 20 degrees outside and dark, no way can I run after work. Oh wait, I thought. We have a workout room for physicians at work. I asked the physician for their badge and did 4.5miles running that night.TIP #1: Get To Know People
That physician trusts me, and I trust her. Knowing and obtaining trusting people won’t only leverage you in a simple Ironman challenge but in life and business. If there’s a recommendation for a new job or opportunity I need, I know she’ll have my back, and the same goes for me to her. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or favor if you need it. It pays to know people.“Running is the most exhausting but most stress-relieving thing I did today”
Halfway through the challenge, my oldest was sick, vomiting most the night. My youngest had kindergarten registration, our research study had a ton of patients, my friend is getting sicker (with cancer) as well as my uncle. My house was destroyed, my husband was sad because I was so tired at night to stay awake with him, work was so busy that I didn’t get to eat or drink at the hospital, and I had client deadlines that were quickly approaching. BUT – instead of dealing with it all…I ran. It was 50 degrees so I ran another 6 miles. It was EXACTLY what I needed.TIP #2 – Run away from life (for like an hour)
When I came back, sure my joints and muscles ached, I wanted to eat so much food, and everything was still there in my life. But, something was different. I was in a clear state of mind. I listened to music about half the way in my run, then I listened to my brain. I took a deep breath, meditated a little, and knew I COULD DO THIS. Stepping away from life to take care of you is something everyone needs. If you do it, awesome, force your spouse too if they don’t. Find what recharges you. It doesn’t have to be running. It could be going with a friend for lunch or a hike in the park. Do what you need to do to get level-headed.Sis-in-law, husband, and son joined me — and I helped them
I wasn’t alone in the challenge. My sister in law, husband and oldest son joined in. We pushed each other, we cheered each other on, we encouraged each other not to quit.TIP #3 Help others
My blog is known for me being as transparent as I can be with you. You see it in my income reports, my planning, my goals, and my newsletters. I want to share my journey and want to help you with yours. I get emails from clients and friends asking for help, and you better believe I help. If I can’t help, I guide them where they can get help. I joined and lead a mastermind group and we have helped each other grow so much in the group. Looking at quarterly goals and uplifting each other in our moments of feeling like we are failing. Be that inspiring ironman. Help another person. It will come back to you! I see it time and time again with my business and in life. I hope I help you help yourself take a look at your life and business side to see where you can improve. My biggest tip here will always be to challenge yourself. My Ironman was far from easy, but with hundreds, if members joining, I won the challenge. Wow. I can hardly believe it myself.Like what you’re reading? Take a listen to our podcast called The Savvy Scribe Podcast!
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