Succeed. Get better. Strive and push. Be smarter. Do more, faster.

Isn’t that what progression is about, more or less? Aren’t these the words that (arguably) structure the ways we excel at what it is we do? Personally, these words, in mixed forms, serve as a reminder of how I need to operate day in and day out. On and off the job.

I noticed a problem within my mindset.

Picture a world class track athlete – a sprinter. If you’re like me, then you imagine a person who locks in, looks directly ahead, and pushes forward with every ounce of force they possess. They must just be gifted, right?

Wrong.

I failed to remind myself of technique and training: posture, foot placement, managing stride length, driving with your arms, and all the technical details. It’s hard work to get better and there are steps.

The skillset of “locking in” to be the best you (employee, friend, teammate, husband or wife, etc.) is invaluable. Like… it’s actually incredible. Being that perfect 10 is absolutely my utopia, but little by little I started to forget what attributes are crucial to be a 3 or a 4… all the stepping stones that help build up to a 10.

Professionally my head is in the place of “know the answer before the question is asked” and “always have something to contribute”, but I was forgetting to service the characteristics that would help me maintain well-roundedness. For example: 1) shut up, listen, and learn 2) develop stronger relationships with coworkers 3) always always always express appreciation 4) ask if you can help and 5) never forget that you’re partially responsible for building your surrounding community.

I needed to refresh myself on the basics and redefine what it means to be my best. The same applies to everything outside of the office. If you are also, analogically, determined to sprint quicker and be the fastest, then take a moment to pause. Breathe. Re-master everything that it means to walk before you run again.

-JO