What’s your playlist?

Posted on 24. Jul, 2009 by Susan Wright in Life Coaching

Shoes on, ear plugs in, and click “running playlist” and off I go! Every Friday morning starts like this and yes it’s absolutely liberating. My strength is back, my commitment is clear and my goal is specific. The music sets my tempo, pace and allows me to move in a way that is congruent to the mood and energy it evokes. Pearl Jam – Given to Fly, Shaye, Cold Play, T. Petty, Matthew Good, D. Gray just a few in my mix that lets my mind and body escape into a rhythm and flow that is just right for me. Every run, I choose a path that is familiar, somewhat routine and rather linear – opposite of how I play out my life, ideas and thoughts. Hence, balance or rather staying consistent so I can discover a benchmark for the next challenge or change in my path.

Running or any activity that requires a consistent effort is a great metaphor for how we move ahead, meet a challenge, and achieve results. When we do something consistently over time, we can set higher objectives, tweak our routine and strategically add some dimension that changes the status quo and gets our heart pounding again. Often it’s the final stretch where we kick in, find that tempo that calls forth a burst of energy to kick up the heels and break away.

But what about those moments when we don’t feel or think we have anymore to give? Often, there are moments during any enduring activity or consistent effort that we start to feel the lag. Take for example all the riders in the Tour de France – what do they do? They get off their saddle and crank it out. They are determined and committed to something that they have trained and prepared for. Despite the discomfort and pain or shear lack of energy; their will is extremely high and they know the reward is great and often lasting.

So what is your playlist? Does it get you out the door on a path that is clear and directed. Does it evoke a spirit of willingness, determination and focus or does it simply keep you moving? Knowing when it’s time to change the playlist, take another turn in the path or move up hill is often a matter of time, preparation and ongoing consistent effort. The results do come and often in a way that allows you to kick up your heels and move ahead with amazing speed and accuracy!

Find that song that moves you!