When I’m not working as the Program Coordinator for the RWO, I spend most of my free time running around the North Shore mountains. I wrote this article about running in the face of self-doubt, but I think many points can translate into chasing any challenging goals in the face of self-doubt. As I write in this article, we really can do way more than we think we can (whether it is running a 100 mile race or finishing challenging professional goals).
Much of my self-reflection on the process of chasing goals despite doubting yourself stems from Dr. Megan Roche (Stanford Medical School graduate, ultrarunner, and experienced running coach)’s book The Happy Runner, which uses evidence-based research to explain how to approach running (or other challenges) within the context of self-acceptance and self-compassion. Dr. Roche suggests that finding purpose and meaning in the (often mundane) daily process of running, or work, or school, through self-acceptance and self-compassion can help provide happiness and long-term sustainability in an otherwise competitive environment where your performance will inevitably decline over time (whether in running or work- you will retire at some point!). Structuring intrinsic self-worth through the purpose and meaning you create in the daily process of being a runner or a doctor (rather than creating self-worth by external standards such as exam scores or results in races) will create a sustainable career that will provide satisfaction and happiness long term.
This approach to running has produced some phenomenal athletes (including Claire Gallagher, elite athlete, environmental advocate, and the winner of the 2019 Western States 100 Miler). Dr. Roche fiercely advocates that extrinsic results (such as winning elite level ultra marathons like Western States) can be a common byproduct of running (or working, or studying) for the process rather than the end result.
