Inborn or Developed: Unveiling the Secrets of Success- by the HRace Runner

Life is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

I come from a family of four children - three boys and myself. My family is highly competitive, with my brothers excelling in sports effortlessly. Every sport seemed to come easily to them. On the other hand, I never quite matched their talent. I often wonder if I truly lacked ability or if I was simply overshadowed by my gifted brothers.

As we grew older, we made the decision to run a marathon together, which prompted me to reflect on the interplay between genetics and success. Does genetic predisposition determine our achievements, or are there other factors at play? The concept of success, for me, goes beyond reaching the top. True success lies in feeling fulfilled by our accomplishments, and by that measure, we can find the answer to my question.

Returning to my brothers, while all three were exceptional runners, one of them, Luis, stood out even more. He appeared effortless when practicing sports. He was also passionate, and always enjoyed every moment. While I believe he possessed natural talent to be the fastest, he approached the marathon as an opportunity to spend time with us and our friends who were also running. He trained enough to complete the marathon but took a relaxed approach. He finished the New York Marathon in just four hours, which is an impressive time. However, what I learned from him was the importance of enjoying the journey. While running, he listened to music, danced, greeted everyone, conversed with others, and savored every moment. It reminded me that life is not solely about achieving success; it's about finding joy in the process. How often have we encountered people who despise their jobs, counting the days and hours until they can leave? The average person spends 90,000 hours of their life at work, which amounts to 3,750 days or 10 full years. Can you imagine being miserable for that long? Whenever I meet individuals in such situations, I advise them to either find something that brings them joy in their work or explore other options. It's unfair to themselves (and, of course, to the organization) to remain in a state of unhappiness.

So, it's not just about being good at something; it's about finding joy in the process.

Now, let me introduce my youngest brother, Alejandro, who is 11 years younger than me. He possesses immense talent, but what sets him apart is his self-discipline. Currently living in London, he trains regardless of the weather conditions - be it cold, rain, or snow. His best marathon time is an impressive 3:11. If an average runner finishes a marathon in 4:30, you can imagine just how fast he is. This demonstrates that discipline pays off. In the workplace, we often encounter talented individuals who refuse to go the extra mile. They believe that their inherent talent alone warrants promotions or better opportunities.

Now, let's talk about me - the slow one. I remember one of my previous bosses, Bob, who was one of the best bosses I've ever had and an avid runner. He once said, "Tere, don't feel bad because you're not as fast as your brothers. You should feel proud that you've completed a marathon, as only 0.17% of the population has ever run one." Deep down, those words made me feel better. My best marathon time is approximately 4:15. During that marathon, my coach (my older brother Jaime) made all the difference. Around six miles away from the finish line in the New York Marathon, I hit the wall, as many runners can understand. I felt like I couldn't go on anymore; quitting was never an option. I never even considered the possibility of not finishing. Suddenly, Jaime emerged from the cheering crowd and shouted, "Tere, you can do it! You've prepared for this; keep going!" Even as I write this, tears well up in my eyes because that encouragement made all the difference. A strong mindset and having someone who believes in you can make the difference between just reaching the finish line and finishing strong.

In the world of work, leaders play a crucial role in propelling teams beyond meeting targets to surpassing expectations. A remarkable leader can transform an average team into an extraordinary one. With their guidance, support, and belief, individuals can push beyond their limits and achieve remarkable results.

Last but not least, let's talk about Jaime. His best marathon time is an astounding 2:46. He has earned the coveted six-star finisher medal, an achievement accomplished by only 11,000 people in the world. You may wonder what makes Jaime so exceptional. I believe it boils down to his willingness to endure pain. During speed workouts, he pushes beyond his limits, never giving up until the very end. He treats every practice session as if it is the ultimate opportunity to win. In the book "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle, he mentions that the greatest athletes, professionals, and historical figures are willing to experience discomfort and pain to grow and become better. This resonates with me. To grow and improve, one must be willing to fail, make mistakes, and endure pain. The same principle applies in the workplace. Individuals who step out of their comfort zones, embrace learning, show vulnerability, and more, are the ones who eventually surpass the rest. How many times have we encountered people who believe their perfect track record entitles them to know everything and be invincible? They refuse to accept feedback, take risks, being vulnerable, or admit their mistakes. Eventually, they hit a wall they cannot surpass unless they develop a growth mindset.

In conclusion, professional life is indeed a marathon, and success is not defined solely by genetics or talent. It's about finding joy in the process, cultivating discipline and perseverance, surrounding ourselves with supportive leaders and teammates, and embracing discomfort and growth. So, as you embark on your own marathon of work-life, remember to relish every step, for it is in the journey that true success is found.

?Teresa Lopez - The HRace Runner

P.S. I love you, Jaime, Luis, and Alejandro. You are a great inspiration to me.