Hi Reader,

Are you also bummed that the Olympics are done?

This year was the first Olympics since I started doing track workouts. While I daydreamed about running as fast as Sha'carri Richardson, my “Left Brain” tendencies came out.

I couldn’t help but wonder:

• How do mechanics come into play? Why does this runner use that form, but that runner uses a different one?
• How do they figure out their tactics during longer runs? (i.e. whether they should hang back at the beginning, and when they should make their move to pass)
• How do countries work together as a team in individual events?

I was also struck by the way competition and community go hand-in-hand. I realized that the athletes keep improving and pushing the limits because of others in the circle.

Yes, they have amazing self-discipline, inner motivation, and childhood dreams. Yes, they have driven, talented coaches and supportive loved ones who cheer them on.

But it’s also the people running elbow to elbow with them.

You’ll hear athletes say things like, “If they weren’t doing great things, I wouldn’t do great things.”

It’s the overlap between community and competition that helps each person do better and better.

I think that balance is something we can all benefit from in our own goals, whether it's in sports or business.

The trick is not falling into the dangerous comparison trap. We all have unique circumstances that affect our trajectory, and we should never shame ourselves for being in a different spot than someone else.

But we can use our community’s strides as external motivation. It’s validation that the big goals are possible.

“They’re doing it, so why can’t I?”

“They raised the bar. Why can’t I raise it a little more?”

When we cheer on each other’s achievements, we help one another run a little faster and dream a little bigger. So instead of thinking about other businesses as hurdles slowing you down, think of them as a community propelling you forward.

You never know. You could be the next Julien Alfred, coming in with a surprise win.

Lacing up my running shoes,

Rachel McFadden the left brain 1014 W. 36TH ST BALTIMORE, MD 410.635.0229 Read our Customer Reviews

PS: We’re now booking projects for the rest of 2024! If you need a website or digital marketing help before the end of the year, now is the time to reach out. Book a call with Hazel so she can chat it out.