Overcoming Challenges
Ariel’s log Stardate 100695.26 /Earth Date February 5th, 2023, 8:45
After yesterday’s low temperature and my reading of the January 17, 2023 article in The Harvard Business Review titled “How Much Do You Need to Know to Be an Ally?” by Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow, I decided to add some of my reflections on the human condition and the great benefit allies can bring to our lives. After all, I’m certain that you would most likely agree that not many people would be willing run outside in -8 degrees on their own. In my case, I used elements from the world of play to overcome a difficult challenge. My running community is filled with trusted allies who have helped me become a better version of myself.
Doing activities with an ally can greatly enhance the experience by providing me increased enjoyment, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. Having an ally by my side makes participating in the activity more fun, challenging, and rewarding. As a member of my local running club, I find that I am provided with encouragement and support on a weekly basis. Members (my allies) keep me motivated and confident in my running abilities no matter how I do on my runs even at crazy low temperatures as we experienced yesterday. By participating in regular running events, I boost my self-esteem and have a strong sense of belonging to my supportive running group.
During regular training, I am provided with praise and recognition for my efforts on workouts I complete. My allies are there to listen and offer advice when I ask for it. Getting encouraging feedback in person and on the app from my allies increases my confidence and reinforces my will to continue with this positive behavior despite the workouts being difficult and at times exhausting.
My running allies offer me constructive criticism that has helped me identify areas I have focused on to improve and continue reaching new goals more effectively. This feedback has helped me build my resilience and increased my endurance.
Being part of a running club allows me to gain from our shared running experiences and knowledge. The club provides a sense of community and belonging. I feel supported and empowered to continue to push myself and increase my overall sense of well-being.
Even when I am not training for a race my running allies inspire and challenge me to reach my full potential. When there have been setbacks due to an injury, they have provided guidance, and have helped in getting me back out on the road or trails and overcome obstacles to work on achieving my goals.
Running often times seen as an individual endeavor. But having allies brings a whole range of benefits that can enhance the overall experience just as we have when playing games. Allies help create a more coordinated and effective team dynamic. They work together to develop strategies, communicate effectively, and support each other in achieving common goals. From local runs to destination runs, my allies work together and support one another. Running with allies makes the experience more enjoyable and engaging. Having someone to share the miles and hills increases my motivation and encourages me to keep pushing my own limits.
No matter the distance, running with my allies provides a shared sense of accomplishment when we all complete the run together or meet up at the finish line at the end of a destination race. Hanging out after the run helps build comradery and increases overall satisfaction and enjoyment of the activity.
Running with allies provides an opportunity for social interaction and bonding. During the runs, allies chat with each other, strengthening the friendship and sense of community. This also helps the long runs pass by much faster.
My running allies have not just helped me overcome my running challenges and goals but have also been there to support me with other challenges I am facing.
An ally can greatly enhance one's ability to overcome challenges. They are a person who supports and helps you through difficult situations. Your ally can provide encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Allies are able to bring a new perspectives and skills and in turn, help you to solve difficulties more effectively.
When one is faced with a challenge, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or alone. An ally can provide emotional support. Having someone who will listen and offer encouragement can help to relieve some of the anxious feelings of being overwhelmed or discouraged. An ally can provide a sounding board for ideas and concerns. This type of support can keep a person facing a challenge motivated and focused on their goals, even when faced with obstacles.
An ally can also provide guidance. They may have dealt with similar experiences or challenges and may be able to share insights and advice. An ally may bring a new perspective to a situation, helping the person facing the challenge look at it from a different angle and find new solutions. They might be able to provide resources that can help lead to problem solving.
When someone is facing challenges, they may feel isolated and disconnected from others. An ally can provide a sense of belonging and community by showing an understanding of what someone is experiencing and is there to offer support and reduce the feeling of loneliness. By feeling supported and empowered by the ally, the person facing a challenge can build confidence and resilience. They are more likely to take risks and overcome their challenges. By providing encouragement, validation, and praise, allies are helping individuals to see their own strengths and abilities. They are helping the person facing the challenge build self-esteem and gain increased confidence.
Challenges should not hold a person back from their full potential.
If you know someone who has a challenge that they want to overcome, consider helping them by becoming an ally on their journey.
Ariel Dagan