How to Get Work Done (a lesson from running)
More than 20 years ago, I ran my first marathon.
I trained through injury for about 6 months with a group of about 40 people led by 3 coaches who had run more than a dozen marathons. This morning, as my daughter and I were walking up a hill to get to her camp, I remembered a lesson my coaches taught me.
When you’re running on flat ground, focus on the horizon. Focus on your form. Think about your breath. Relax your neck and fists. And try and pick up some speed.
When you’re running uphill, stare at your steps.
Going uphill is significantly harder. Looking down is a shortcut to doing two helpful things:
First, you’re thinking about the next step. That’s it. Not how long you have to go or if you’re almost there or how hard it is. Look at your feet. One step. Then another. Keep going.
The other thing you’re doing is bringing your center of gravity forward. Your head is heavy and is actually giving your body weight and momentum to help you push forward.
As all of these blog posts, this is not actually about running.
When we’re working and our metaphorical road is flat– when we know what we’re doing, things are calm and it’s somewhat automatic– focus on the horizon. We can plan the path ahead. We can focus on our form and our breathing and check that our systems are working efficiently. That we’re doing what we can to pick up speed. Do the important work of thinking ahead. Aim far.
But when things get tough and the work is a climb– unexpected emergencies, disasters, things break, people leave, files are lost– stare at your steps. What’s the next thing you have to do? Then do it. And then the next step after that. One thing at a time until you look up and you realize you’re at the top of the hill.
What’s the road you’re on today?
Caveday is a company aimed at improving your relationship to work. We write regular posts on Medium and send out monthly newsletters with productivity tips, life hacks, and recommendations. Sign up for the mailing list here.
Jake Kahana is a cofounder of Caveday. Sign up for his personal emails, called “The Email Refrigerator” here.