Part I: Running Towards the Present: Lessons Learned on the Pavement

Running is my escape, where I'm alone with my thoughts, physically and mentally resilient, and constantly learning.

As an aspiring ultra runner, I have completed a 50k and a 100-miler, but I am far from done. With the Keys100-50 miler and Daytona 100 on the horizon, I am determined to take my running to the next level and become the ultra-running athlete.

As I prepared for a slow "time of feet" run on a hot Florida afternoon, I felt the tightness of my laces as I cinched them down on my feet. My calves ached from past runs. Despite being “somewhat” experienced with long runs, my mind still loomed with thoughts of the sweltering heat and the distance ahead. I knew there would be pain and fatigue, but I was determined to push through it. Yet as I stepped onto the pavement and about 20 mins into my run, I felt something unexpected happened—my outlook on running shifted, challenging my beliefs about life.

My gaze locked on to the ground just four feet ahead of me. I wear a hat when I run, which blocks my view of the distance ahead. During my run, my curiosity about my approach intrigued me. I thought about why I didn’t look up. In a moment of philosophical thought, I looked up and turned my focus further ahead. Suddenly, I become increasingly anxious about how far I still had to go. My heart rate increased, and an uneasiness ran through me. I wanted to test my process. I looked back down at the ground and felt a strange sense of comfort and solace wash over me. All that mattered in that instant were the steps right before me - nothing else mattered.  

This made me realize that this is how most people live their lives, constantly gazing into the future, attempting to predict what will happen. They get anxious, stressed out, and worried. They forget to enjoy the present moment, the only thing we truly have control over. It’s essential to put in the work, to plan and strategize for the future, but it’s equally important to be present in the current situation.

But what are some benefits to remaining present?

• Reduced stress and anxiety: When you focus on the present moment instead of worrying about the future, you can reduce stress and anxiety. Constantly worrying about the future can create unnecessary stress and anxiety, negatively affecting your mental health and well-being.
• Increased enjoyment of life: When you remain present in the moment, you can enjoy your experiences more fully. By focusing on what is happening right now, you can appreciate the small moments and enjoy them to the fullest.
• Improved decision-making: When you are present in the moment, you can make better decisions. By focusing on the present, you can better assess the situation and decide based on what is happening right now rather than worrying about the future and deciding based on hypothetical scenarios. This can lead to more effective and efficient decision-making.

As I continued my run, I thought about how this realization could apply to leadership. As a leader, it’s crucial to plan and strategize for the future, but it’s equally essential to be present in the current situation. Being present allows you to connect with your team on a deeper level, to understand their challenges and concerns, and to provide meaningful support. When you’re only focused on the future, you miss out on the opportunity to connect with your team and build trust.

As leaders, we must learn how to balance the future with the present. Being present allows us to fully engage in our work, to make meaningful connections with our team, and to make the most of every opportunity.

When we’re constantly worrying about the future, we’re not fully engaged in our work. We’re not giving our team the attention and support they need, and we’re not making the most of every opportunity. We’re missing out on the chance to make a real difference and to create a positive impact on the world.

So, the next time you’re feeling anxious or stressed about the future, take a moment to focus on the present. Look down at the ground, where your feet are, and be present in the moment. Take a deep breath and connect with the world around you. Remember, the future is unknown and unpredictable, but the present is where you have control, can make a difference, and can create a positive impact on the world.

I will publish Part II the first week of June 2023. "Mind, Body, and Spirit: Lessons Learned from a 50-Mile Ultramarathon"

Please #follow me if you are interested in reading this next article.

Thank you.

Be where your feet are,

Josh Fisher