Unlock Your Best Self: The Synergy of Work, Life, and Ambitious Goals
While most of the city slept, you'd find me at 4:55 a.m., under the yellow glow of a NYC streetlamp stretching my calf muscles before dawn’s first hint. For over a decade, I'd meet Adrienne, Chre, Yessica, and Willie to run five miles before the workday officially begins- a ritual that helped each of our '5 at 5 Crew' support each other and conquer countless NYC marathons. But this tradition isn’t about medals or crossing finish lines before anyone else. It’s about showing up for myself so I can show up for life: physically, mentally, and spiritually at my best. The secret isn’t just in running—it’s in creating a balanced, ever-evolving connection between my work and personal goals.
Beyond Balance: Why Growth in All Realms Matters
We’re encouraged to strive for 'work-life balance', to work hard and then “relax” as a counterbalance. But true evolution is more than clocking hours on the job and “recovering” in downtime. Personal and professional growth happens when we set intentions and goals in each area of our lives, then persistently pursue them—not solely for performance, but to become fuller, more resilient versions of ourselves.
For me, running isn’t just exercise. Setting athletic goals has taught me lessons I bring into the conference room (and beyond): resilience, consistency, adaptability. My morning miles and longer weekend runs with friends are a sign that I’m investing in the best version of myself, able to bring more energy and empathy to my colleagues, clients, and loved ones.
Strategies for Achieving Growth-Oriented Balance
Cultivating a truly synergistic work-life balance, where both realms contribute positively to the other, requires deliberate action rather than merely scheduling downtime.
Align your goals with your interests or curiosities: Instead of running just to check off a fitness box, I run because I genuinely love the movement, the camaraderie, and the city at dawn. Choose hobbies and milestones that speak to what lights you up—whether that’s writing music, painting, or mastering a new language.
Plan backwards and set benchmarks: Whether my goal is a 10k or a 50k, I’ll break it down month-by-month and week-by-week, scheduling long runs and tracking progress. For artists, that might look like designing a timeline for a gallery show with interim milestones for finishing each piece.
Celebrate small wins: That first rainy, hilly tempo run of the season? Celebrated. Sharing a draft poem with a trusted friend? Toast to that. Little victories build momentum.
Involve others for accountability and connection: Running isn’t a solo venture for me—my 4:55 crew keeps me honest and makes it fun. Team up with others who share your goals or invite friends to try something new with you. You’ll either find your tribe or grow closer to the one you already have.
Share your progress: Posting a training update or sharing a song draft can lead to unexpected encouragement and support. Often, people rally behind your progress more than you imagine.
Enjoy the journey: Goals are powerful, but don’t let the end result become the only focus. Some of my favorite memories are pre-dawn conversations and shared laughs—not marathon finish times.
Prioritize your goals, self-care, and reflection—but stay tethered to relationships: Growth involves sacrifices, like early alarms, but they shouldn’t be monumental or at the expense of valued relationships. Make time for friends, family, and rest.
Find transferable lessons: The grit cultivated on a grueling run gets me through tough work deadlines. The creativity I foster writing in my notebook after a run helps problem-solving elsewhere. Growth in one area often becomes strength in another.
The Real Payoff
Pursuing growth in both work and life isn’t about outpacing others—it’s about honoring yourself and, in turn, being able to give more to everyone and everything you care about. So set that audacious goal, involve your community, and find joy in the striving. Sure, you’ll need to make choices and occasionally say no to late-night plans, but you’ll reap far more than you sacrifice.
So, what will your next mile, brushstroke, or verse be? Isn’t it time to invest in becoming the best version of yourself, for yourself and for all those you impact?