Think about the discipline and commitment it takes to be a real runner. Going beyond the occasional jog to transcend into the ranks of a serious distance trainer who gets up early, eats appropriately and invests in the right gear to accomplish something great — this takes some serious planning! The discipline required of an individual who actively pursues running as a serious pastime cannot be overstated. Let’s look at a few of the ways that disciplined running can help you achieve more in your everyday life.

Time Management
 

Finding the time to run requires deft time-management skills and the ability to use all of your available time wisely. Runners must contend with planning for weather, which reinforces the notion of using available systems wisely. Weather forecasts down to the hourly indicators can help any runner find the perfect window in which to train. These time-management skills can be translated perfectly to your working world, as most leaders say that managing their time is a challenge that they fight hard to overcome.

Decisiveness

Runners must constantly fight the battle between bringing along enough of the necessary accessories and running support items that can improve comfort and performance on a run — balanced by the weight penalty of these accessories. This discipline can be translated perfectly into a runner’s life in that the ability to discern those items that are superfluous in life versus those that are a real necessity is a key characteristic of a decisive runner. Take the time to approach anything — your calendar, your obligations, or your stack of boxes in the garage, with a runner’s mindset that only the essential elements can come along for the ride.

Positivity

Most successful individuals feel that a positive outlook is more than simply healthy — it's a necessity. Runners must keep a positive mindset in order to push through some of the pain and exhaustion that is associated with distance running, and this discipline and focus on positivity can really help you push through some of life’s greater challenges. With a positive outlook on life, you’ll be poised to realize even greater success than if you maintain a pessimistic view of the world.

Confidence

Committing to a running plan and keeping your training front of mind will often contribute to a more toned and healthy body. There is no secret that when you look good, you feel great! Confidence is often described as a leading indicator of success, as even those who may lack some of the requisite skills to truly qualify for success in life can get a leg up on their competition due to their confidence levels. Runners often enjoy increased confidence as a result of their improved body image — as well as the confidence that comes from committing to something and seeing it through to the end.

To become better in all facets of your life, you’ll need to find a sense of discipline. Running is a tremendous activity that can enact a level of discipline in all that you do — as it allows you to face nearly all of life’s challenges.