I love lacing up my running shoes on a perfect day - sunshine, clear skies, and a gentle breeze. But what about when it's raining, windy, or even snowing - Iām tempted to reach for the snooze button.
However, I have found that embracing the bad weather is a powerful, yet often overlooked, way to build resilience and transferable skills that benefits our professional lives.
I woke up last week for my long run in the Peak District and it was pouring with rain and blowing a gale. I was tempted to pull the duvet over but resisted ! When I arrived, the weather was even worse - it was snowing and very cold ā.
Nevertheless, I kitted up and set off for a fab couple of hours running and was rewarded with beautiful views and the feeling that the work stress from the week was blown away.
It was a great mental strength workout. Pushing myself through discomfort builds my mental resilience. Iāve learnt to conquer negative self-talk, develop the grit needed to tackle challenges, and bounce back from setbacks ā all crucial qualities for navigating the complexities of the business world.
It also hones our adaptability and problem-solving skills. It forces us to think on our feet. This translates to better decision-making and problem-solving, which have benefited my role at Strategic Risk & Compliance Consultancy (SRC) as a trusted Business Advisor.
Finally, it's easy to get discouraged and throw in the towel. But staying focused on our goals, regardless of the weather, strengthens our discipline and commitment. It teaches us to push through challenges and maintain the motivation needed to succeed, even when the going gets tough.
So, the next time we are tempted to skip our run or other challenges, letās reframe them as opportunities to build personal strength and professional skills.
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