The Importance of Knowing Your Path: Communicating Goals
/I jumped out of my car, locked the door, and jogged toward the running group. I was late, and the leaders were sharing the directions for our run.
I caught seven words: “…run up the parking garage deck twice.”
Not knowing the entire course was unnerving, but I figured I’d just follow the runners in front of me.
What I didn’t realize was how much my motivation is connected to knowing my running route.
As we approached familiar intersections, I would assume we’d be following a route we’d run before. But, after the third time of mentally guessing the route – and being wrong, I began to see my motivation tank. My pace slowed, and I realized I wasn’t enjoying the run as much.
I felt pressure to keep up with the group in front of me, which wasn’t my normal pace. Before long, I was annoyed with the run. (And, I LOVE my Saturday morning runs.)
Finally, as I passed another runner, I asked her for the route. As soon as she told me, I focused on the route and picked up my pace.
I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between my run and when we don’t know what success looks like in a work setting.
If employers and supervisors don’t share goals or give us a target, it’s easy to lose motivation or experience burnout. We get motivated and throw ourselves into a campaign or task, but if we don’t know the end result, we can’t maintain our pace.
Once I knew my course, I could adjust my pace and energy levels.
An added bonus? My running group has a culture of cheering one another on. So, every time you pass someone or a runner/walker passes you, you say, “Good job!”
Imagine knowing what success looks like and having colleagues and supervisors cheer you along. That is an ideal situation!
How about you? Do you like to know the course or direction before you start a project or task?
