When we first dive into any athletic pursuit (be it running, cycling, or even a new fitness routine), we often start by playing around with three core variables:
- Frequency: how often we do it
- Duration: how long we do it each session
- Intensity: how hard we push ourselves
Early on, especially when we’re younger, we might focus heavily on intensity: short, explosive bursts that test our limits and give us quick feedback. Think about revision cramming as text before exams.
But as we mature (both in sports and in our professional lives), there’s a shift. We start valuing frequency and duration more. We unlock endurance. Instead of going all out in a single sprint, we learn the importance of pacing ourselves. We focus on doing something consistently, for longer periods, and building that endurance. This approach doesn’t just lead to safer, more sustainable progress in sports; it also mirrors how we might evolve in our careers.
In the workplace, the young professional might tackle projects with high intensity: pulling long hours and sprinting through tasks. But with experience, we understand that frequency (showing up reliably) and duration (putting in steady, sustained effort) matter more for long-term success. Just like a marathon, maturity in work and life is about endurance rather than raw speed.
Data. Operations. Talent. Software, or DOTS. Their digital transformations within organizations and across enterprise require endurance programs over explosive projects. Favoring horizontal change over vertical inertia.
So, whether you’re lacing up your running shoes or stepping into a new role, think about shifting from that initial intense sprint to a more measured, frequent, and enduring pace. It’s not just about lasting longer; it’s about performing smarter in the long run. Slow and steady wins the race!
And yes, we’re all getting older…
