Running, Running, Running

This post may appear to be off-topic, but actually it’s not — it has everything to do with success on projects or on anything else for that matter.

Today was the running of the 110th Boston Marathon, where huge numbers of people cheer on a stream of 20,000 tired runners almost all day long. Every year, I make it a point to closely observe the lead runners as they approach the last segment of their journey.

The top runners seem to share a particular quality in common — they make it seem effortless. Whether due to training, native skill, or some other magic quality, the top few seem to take it all in stride (yes, the pun is intended).

The ability to move carefully, in control, strategically, without wasted effort, is a great lesson. The winning runners have that quality, and so do winning teams. Regardless of the pressure, it’s all about composure.