Yesterday I wrote about my experiences in training for half marathons and how those lessons apply to life as a leader.  But, as with many of the disciplines in life, if we do not work diligently to maintain our edge, it’s impossible to consistently perform at the highest levels.  Muscles atrophy.  Skills wane.  We lose touch.

You did it once, but can you replicate the experience?  Is it sustainable?  Are you continuing to invest | practice | refine skills | seek excellence?

Same goes for fitness in other areas of our lives; if you don’t diligently work at building and maintaining a robust professional network, refining your communication and negotiating skills, and other critical leadership traits, you lose ‘em. Your strength as a leader is diminished.  

I ran a half marathon once. I reached my goal. But that didn’t mean I could do it again. I had to continue to put in the time and training and lots of sweat equity. Then, I was able to run the distance again … and again … You need to put in the time, energy and, yes, training to sustain the elements that contribute to an excellent or improved performance.

As a leader, I encourage you to be deliberate in finding ways to consistently sharpen your edge.  Invest in continuing education.  Seek peers and mentors who will challenge you and hold you accountable to your goals and aspirations.  Serve your profession.  Guide those coming along behind you.  Read often.  Listen carefully.  And know yourself so that you can contribute in the areas that are most powerful and unique to your strengths.

At times, life will get in the way.  A project is completely consuming.  Deadlines demand our attention.  Personal obligations grow.  Extracurricular commitments abound.  Or, perhaps you just get a bit lazy?  Time management and organizational skills don’t maintain a priority focus. You think no one’s paying attention so “just getting it done” is substituted for “A game” work. You stop showing up to networking events and participating in volunteerism opportunities. That goal of going back to grad school or preparing to achieve a certification hits the back burner.

“Watch your thoughts. They become words. Watch your words. They become deeds. Watch your deeds. They become habits. Watch your habits. They become character. Character is everything.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

How are your habits? Are you on a roll, or in a rut? What are you doing about it?