9 Lessons in Transformation I've Learned from Running Marathons

I crossed the finish line of my 5th marathon on Saturday, and I couldn't help but reflect on my journey - a pandemic pastime that evolved into a transformative ritual that reshaped me in unexpected ways.

I’ve learned a lot about what real change is and what it takes to get there. Here are 9 lessons in transformation I believe individuals, teams, and organizations can all learn from.

1️⃣ Clarity of Connected Purpose: Knowing the "why" behind change is essential for growth. Participants in real change must embrace vulnerability to unlock true potential. A clear sense of purpose connected to this willingness to engage honestly around what needs to change serves as a guiding light, fueling motivation and perseverance.

2️⃣ The Power of Outside Perspective: Don't underestimate the power of experience and expertise from those who have been there before in helping you achieve your goals. Their insights can provide invaluable guidance, prevent unnecessary pitfalls, and alleviate wasted energy (physical, mental, or emotional).

3️⃣ Shared Ownership and Support: Transformation is not a solo endeavor. Just as runners rely on their support systems, successful organizational change requires buy-in and ownership from all levels.

4️⃣ Breaking Orthodoxies Means Trade-offs: Change requires breaking old habits and patterns. To start new ones usually means that you have to shed some existing ones first, which can be the biggest obstacle. Without meaningful and agreed upon understanding of this need, you’ll never even start.

5️⃣ Be Realistic About Goals: Dream big, but meet yourself where you are. Being realistic about your goals prevents burnout and disappointment. Without proper pacing, you risk "blowing up" and not even hitting your secondary goals (been there!).

6️⃣ Incremental Process Progress > Outcomes: Real change happens incrementally - one step at a time over a longer period of time. Avoid fixating on short-term outcomes.

7️⃣ Ride the Rollercoaster: Marathons and change initiatives are filled with highs, lows, and the unexpected. Flexibility and adaptability are keys to embracing new possibilities and letting go of what you think was supposed to happen (or was holding you back).

8️⃣ The Power of Grit and Resilience: In every marathon, there comes a point where quitting seems like the only option - trust me, I’ve been there. However, I've learned that trusting the process, myself, and my purpose can carry me through. When my body has had enough, my mind (and my heart) power me to the finish line.

9️⃣ Don't Forget to Have Fun: Enjoying the journey, at least to some degree, is essential. If you don't find joy in the process, it's worth questioning whether the destination is truly worth it. There’s no right answer - only what’s right for you.

Remember, transformation isn't solely measured by metrics but by purpose-driven action, joy in the journey, consistent effort, and unwavering determination.

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Hi, I’m Joel Worthington, and I help service-oriented, intrapreneurial leaders harness the power of collaboration and subject matter expertise to elevate the value of cross-disciplinary teams and partners.

Email me at joel@jwcollaborative.com to connect about #collaboration #codesign #humancentereddesign #facilitation #coaching and #coachsulting