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Do you have what it takes to keep climbing that corporate mountain? Of course you do!

For many executives I know, the increasing demands of work, family, outside interests, managing your career and the omnipresent pressure to be “on” 24/7 in the social media universe often makes us feel terribly inadequate, wondering how we ever managed to accomplish so much in the past. Many of us question whether we still have what it takes to continue to grow and achieve; where is the passion and motivation we had early in our careers? And, if we are in the midst of a job search, we might silently wonder, who is going to take a chance and hire me now?

As an endurance athlete, I like to use the many powerful comparisons of sport and business, and consider how the strategies and disciplines of athletes can also be used effectively to not only survive, but thrive, in today’s increasingly demanding workplace.

I was reflecting back to the day more than five years ago when, at the age of 53, I completed my first Ironman distance triathlon at Lake Placid. And while it was painful (as I heard one Ironman veteran say recently - "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it"), it clearly remains one of the highlights of my life. I can clearly remember how nervous and anxious I was in the days leading up to the race; the ghosts of past failures and constant self-doubts had been gnawing at me for months. "What was I thinking when I signed up for this? I’ll never finish; I will disappoint all those people who supported me for 10 long months of training.” These thoughts and others played over and over in my mind that long day five years ago.

In many ways, an Ironman race day is like any long-term commitment you take on: you question your ability; you wonder if it will be worth the commitment and sacrifice; you try to visualize yourself reaching your goal. And yet through the process you learn so much about your capabilities and your vulnerabilities; you gain a deep understanding of the meaning of commitment, perseverance and persistence; you learn the power and humility of relying on others and accept the grace that comes with giving everything you have to a goal.

When I crossed the finish line some 16+ hours after the race started, I was hooked! Hooked on that feeling of accomplishment, of pushing yourself beyond what you thought possible, of realizing a major goal.

So five years - and many more Ironman races later - I often reflect back to that experience that gave me the energy, confidence and self-knowledge to set and strive for new goals, particularly when I am experiencing disappointment, setbacks and self-doubt. That race is one of the events on my "highlight reel", which helps me manage myself through the ups and downs that come with working toward any worthwhile goal - whether it's my next Ironman race or a major project. So what's on your personal highlight reel?

Bobbie LaPorte, Founder and Principal of RAL & Associates, is one of the Bay Area’s brightest stars in the field of Career and Leadership development and coaching. Contact Bobbie at bobbielaporte@sbcglobal.net or visit www.bobbielaporte.com.

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