I recently completed my 15th NYC Marathon. I started running again in 2002 because my blood pressure was frighteningly high, despite medication. I ran a 4-mile race in Central Park and enjoyed it. Now running is a big part of who I am. While I’m proud to have qualified for Boston occasionally, completing 15 NYC Marathons (13 consecutive) is a greater achievement. It requires a supportive family, which I am fortunate to have, and some discipline, planning and good fortune.
I’ve been reflecting on why I can maximize my potential in running and transplant some of these traits to work.
Personal accountability: I love running because if things don’t work out, it’s my fault. I can’t blame others. I aim to have the same level of personal accountability with my clients and colleagues.
Obsession with metrics: For my running, the results are everything. I tell people I am running big races. When I know everyone can see the results, the fear of posting a poor time pushes me forward.
Focus: I never run with headphones. Yet when I work, it’s email then work. Fantasy football then work. Project 1 for 5 minutes, project 2 for 10 minutes, potential project for 10 minutes.
Block and use time strategically: I make time for my runs and adhere to my plan. I have the same intention with work, but my days end often end up as free-for-alls. I make it up by working later or on the weekends. Working at home makes it worse.
Despite my advancing age, it’s clear accountability, obsession with metrics, focus, and disciplined/strategic use of time can help me deliver consistent results despite having modest athletic gifts. My gifts are more plentiful in the career realm. I’m putting this out here so you can hold me accountable to better harness these gifts in the years to come.
Kyle Okimoto is the founder of Market Junctions, which helps businesses and leaders harness the power of disruption to generate positive change. Kyle is a consultant, advisor and investor in startups ranging from Eargo (direct to consumer hearing aids — IPO October 2020), AltoIRA (self-directed retirement accounts for alternative investments — Series A, $17m raised), Percent Technologies (high yield short term alternative investments — Series A, $12.5m raised), Janover Ventures (commercial real estate financing marketplace), Trade Exchange (connecting top stock pickers to top stock pickers) and ARIS Technology (robotic quality control laser scanning).
