Who do you listen to if you want to succeed? A few years ago, I ran my first half marathon. I have arthritis and for most of my life, I was told that running wasn’t good for my body. So I didn’t run, didn’t do sports, nothing high impact … and then I came a day when I felt like I need to move more.
So I did—and it felt good.
I decided I wanted to run a 5k. My family thought I was crazy, but I worked hard. I listened to my body. I listened to my dream and I did it. And I didn’t stop there. I ran a 10k (my family thought I was crazy again, but I didn’t listen to them) … and then I signed up for this half marathon. And little by little, I worked toward this goal. Run after run after run I built up endurance.
If I had listened to a variety of experts, I might not be here, getting ready to lace up my shoes for 13.1 miles.
Along the way there were plenty of people who wanted to tell me why I shouldn’t run or how to train and what to eat and what to wear. Everybody has an opinion, and there are plenty of experts who disagree.
It can be overwhelming.
How do you know who to listen to if you want to succeed?
I have a secret: You know the expert to listen to already, whether you’re running or starting a business or following some other dream.
The most important person to listen to if you want to succeed is you.
You get to set your own expectations and define your own success. To do that, you need to learn to listen to your body and intuition. You know whether something feels right in your body. You know if it feels right in your heart, in your gut. Listen to that voice. Choose to follow it.
Find a coach to help you succeed.
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. I’ve worked with coaches and running groups and accountability partners … my family cheers me on, and my daughter brings me water on the treadmill. I couldn’t do it without them (maybe I could, but it’s hard enough as it is—why make it harder?)
Mentors and coaches can be super helpful teaching you tools and techniques that streamline your path, finding the resources you need to succeed, and keeping you from reinventing the wheel. They are good for accountability and keeping you going when you start to falter.
You might be thinking, “But I’m going to listen to myself. I’m going to do it myself! Why do I need a coach?” Here’s the thing: the best people in their field use coaches to help them achieve great things. So, I’m not saying you shouldn’t listen to a coach. A coach or mentor is a great person to have in your corner.
Find a coach who feels like a good fit. You know if you need somebody to kick your butt every day or somebody who can help you understand the need for rest. You know if a coach’s philosophy or framework resonates and if the two of you click. Listen to yourself and get the support you need.
Community can help you succeed too.
And support doesn’t end with a coach. You need your village too to help you get past the negative voices and other stumbling blocks. Learn how to ask for what you need, whether it’s advice, a resource, or just some encouragement.
Find a good coach. Connect with your village. And most importantly, listen to yourself. Listen deeply to your dreams and desires. Tap into your intuition. And then go for it!
If you’ve been listening to that little voice inside you sharing a big dream and you’re ready to live the life you’ve imagined, you can connect with your village and a coach (me!) to make it happen.