Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Growth and leadership

When training for any race, the experts have figured at a pattern that helps you reach peak performance (however, pitiful that "peak" may be, as in my case). This patter includes incrementally training to build endurance and stamina, while also increase speed. As you approach race day, you have days where you simulate race distances. Then, as you near race (about 5 days out), you do one last long day (about 25% more than the race), then start backing off, so that you have one easy day (about a 33% of race distance), and finally a day off.

It's critical in life and leadership, that we make it our mission to grow regularly. Leadership and growth is a process not a destination, and we can't expect to go 0-60. It's a slow life process that is lived out over an extended time. Slowly, we build leadership experience, clarity of vision, credibility in character, fortitude under pressure, skilled communication, and the ability to discern next steps. These come through hard work, determination, perseverance, and prayer.

There is also a necessary season of rest. We can't push hard all the time, 24-7, and expect to "perform" well on "race day". We need to allow for days off, vacation, and lighter seasons at work. If we are diligently growing and pressing, then we are not only justified, but actually need to rest in preparation for growth to higher levels.

By the way, cheer our Ironheart teams on Sunday morning 7am as we do a relay sprint tri at Snook Park in Hagerstown, MD.

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