Running Through Life: What Are You Running From—or Toward?

“We run when we’re scared, we run when we’re ecstatic, we run away from our problems and run around for a good time.”

This line from Born to Run by Christopher McDougall struck a chord with me, not just as a reflection on running, but on life itself—especially the way we navigate work and the many ups and downs of our careers. Think about it: we’re always moving, sometimes out of excitement, sometimes from fear. Sometimes we charge ahead full of energy, and other times we’re just spinning in circles, unsure of our direction. The question is, are we running away from something, or toward something meaningful?

Running Away: Avoidance Isn’t Always Obvious

In work life, “running away” doesn’t necessarily mean quitting a job or avoiding tasks (although that happens too!). It can look like procrastinating on tough conversations, delaying decisions we know are important, or burying ourselves in busywork to avoid dealing with larger issues. It’s often subtle.

We’ve all been there—shying away from an opportunity because it feels risky, holding off on giving feedback to a colleague because we’re afraid of the confrontation, or delaying a big change because we don’t want to face the discomfort that comes with it. It feels safer to avoid these things, but we end up running in circles, stuck in place.

But here’s the thing: running away from the hard stuff never truly solves it. The fear lingers, the problems grow, and before we know it, we’re overwhelmed. The lesson I’ve learned is that facing those challenges, though difficult, is where growth happens. It’s not about being fearless; it’s about moving forward despite the fear. The next time you find yourself avoiding something, ask yourself: What am I really running from? Is it something I need to face to move forward in my work or life?

Running Toward: The Power of Purpose

On the flip side, when we’re running toward something that excites us—whether it’s a career goal, a new project, or a personal milestone—it feels different. There’s energy and purpose behind it. Running toward a goal is exhilarating because it gives us something to strive for. That sense of purpose is powerful in work life, where it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind.

Think about the times when you felt truly motivated at work. Chances are, you had a clear goal, something that excited you and gave your effort meaning. Maybe it was a promotion you were working toward, launching a new product, or even learning a new skill. When we have that sense of direction, we’re not just running for the sake of it—we’re moving with intention, and that makes all the difference.

For me, even when life took me in a direction where running (literally) was no longer an option, I found that it was about what I was running toward that mattered. The key takeaway? In your career or personal life, know what you’re chasing. What’s your “why”? Purpose is what keeps us going, especially when the road gets tough.

Running in Circles: When You Feel Stuck

But what about those times when it feels like we’re running in circles, expending energy but not getting anywhere? This happens a lot in work life. We’re busy, constantly doing something, but we don’t feel like we’re making progress. The to-do list keeps growing, and no matter how fast we try to check things off, we still feel behind.

This is where we need to pause and reassess. Ask yourself: What am I actually working toward? Am I moving in the right direction, or am I just running out of habit? Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a step back, evaluate your priorities, and decide where your energy should really go. It’s okay to stop and redirect if needed—it’s better than sprinting full speed in the wrong direction.

Finding Balance: Running with Intent

Life is full of moments when we’re running from things we fear, running toward things we love, or just running around trying to keep up. The trick is to recognize which mode you’re in and make sure your steps are aligned with where you want to go. It’s not about constantly hustling or chasing the next big thing—it’s about moving with purpose, knowing when to push forward and when to take a breather.

At work, this means setting clear goals but also being kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly. It means confronting challenges, not avoiding them, and finding joy in the progress you make, no matter how small. The lesson here isn’t to run faster—it’s to run smarter. Know what you’re running toward, understand why you’re running, and don’t be afraid to pause, breathe, and recalibrate when needed.

So, next time you feel like you’re running through life—whether it’s away from stress, toward success, or just around in circles—ask yourself: What am I really running from? What am I running toward? And am I moving with the purpose I need to grow?