There's something in this picture for all of us

This photo was taken at the U.S Naval Academy at 6:00 am on August 11. There are 1,100 young men and women lined up to begin what will be a 90-minute session of physical training. The training is part of Plebe Summer, six weeks of instruction designed to transform young adults into future naval officers.?

It’s easy to think that the photo is about someone else, or some other group, but there are a few takeaways for all leaders and aspiring leaders to consider.??

-????They were up early. Amazing things can happen when you’re up before the sun. Pick any book you’d like to discover the importance of quieting your mind and preparing your body early in the morning for what lies ahead. Maybe you won’t be on a football field with 1,100 others, but getting up before the sun, perhaps doing some journaling, and doing some form of physical exercise can do wonders for your mind and body. You can also fuel yourself with the self-confidence that comes with doing something difficult to begin a day.

-????Who were the runners??Shortly after this picture was taken, many of the people in this photo will leave the field and go for a 20-minute run. Others who are unable to run will remain behind and use the rowers, walk, or do light calisthenics while their classmates run. Questions and self-reflections followed as the runners departed. What prepared them to be able to show up for 43 days and be able to complete the workout and continue their day? I asked one of them what, or who prepared her to show up for 43 consecutive days. She said swimming and a former swim coach helped her get by. Two a day practices, and being challenged by a coach?in the pool helped her get through and keep running.

-????There were supporters in the stands.?The vast majority were moms, dads, and family members of the people on the field. Most were barely awake but amazed by what they saw and proud of their loved one on the field.

This one photo leads to four important questions for leaders:

-????Can we win the morning?

-????Can we be the runners, the people who show up, work hard, fight through the day, and do it again tomorrow?

-????Who’s our swim coach, the person who holds us accountable and makes us better versions of ourselves??

-????As leaders, do we know when we should be supporting in the stands, and when we should be on the field demonstrating and helping???

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