The sprinthoner

The sprinthoner engages with the sprinter's intensity and speed and the marathoner's consistency.

It’s a common set of behaviours, mindsets and ways of being and deserves a name.

The sprinter applies intensity over short bursts. The marathoner uses lower intensity consistently over an extended period.

And the sprinthoner engages with the sprinter's intensity and speed and the marathoner's consistency.

No breaks or slowdowns are allowed; life is a race.

Fuel up on bars and energy drinks.

Use up the energy reserve, and keep going.

Burn the midnight oil; there’s no time to waste.

Look to others, and fear falling behind.

Double down and keep pushing.

Set burnout aside, the finish line must be close.

Crusade to be first, win, gain status and prestige, without a deeper understanding of the race itself, without knowing why it’s never enough, and more is always required.

It’s a form of quicksand; the harder you hustle, the deeper it sucks you in.

The system incentivizes the adoption of the Sprinthoner. It draws us in, allows us a taste and moves the finish line further away, keeping us racing, striving to keep up.

And yet it doesn’t pay to apply consistency and intensity if it leads to burnout.

The alternative isn't to throw our hands up and give up. It's to get off the track, let go of the carrot and the stick, and explore different paths.

When we no longer gun toward the finish line, we catch our breath, find a new pace, and then we can start to show up to do the great work we set out to.

We can then collaborate, contribute and make a difference, not to win but to be part of the journey and contribute our greatest gifts.

And we all know the world could use more of our gifts today.

Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week.

Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.