Last year I ran my first marathon (and finished it). This was
an athletic feat that a year ago I was not sure I could
complete. I did a 16 week training program that only
required 3 days a week of running (I was supposed to cross
train 2 days a week, but I cheated on that part). Here's what
I found: no matter what distance I completed in my training
- 13 miles, 15 miles, 18 miles, 20 miles, I always wondered
how the heck I was going to run more than that distance.
I just kept following the plan, and it worked for me despite
my doubts about my ability. The race was hard, but I was
able to finish respectably.
What did running do for my success as a coach and the rest
of my life?
1) I learned to set goals that were a stretch and not easy to
accomplish.
2) I got in good shape which made me more mentally alert,
confident and less prone to sickness.
3) After completing the race I fully embraced a "can do"
attitude which postively impacted my ability to problem solve
at work and at home and not let barriers make me give up.
I'm not suggesting that all musicians need to run a
marathon, but taking care of yourself and setting physical
fitness goals can have a positive impact on your music
career. We all know the singer who runs out of breath
singing because they aren't in the kind of condition they need
to be in to sing night after night. Bruce Springsteen used to
run 4 miles a day, and there's a guy who had some onstage
endurance!
Take some action - do yoga, ride a bike, run, hike, power walk
- whatever you enjoy that keeps you healthy. Set a goal for
your music business that is a stretch. You'll know its a stretch
because there will be some fear associated with striving for the
goal.
Wish me luck on November 19, this year I'm going for a faster
time. Best of luck in your own pursuits!
Don't forget to check my blog Fi
nding Your Rhythm
