Moral of the story: Resolutions for the long run
The new year can really bring out our nostalgic side, whether in our personal life, professional life, or both. We reflect on the positives of the past, and vow to renew them to better ourselves in the present. So, in a frenzy of self-improvement, many of us make resolutions to go to the gym, eat healthier, quit smoking, and more. And despite the best of intentions, those resolutions often fizzle out as quickly as they began. So how do you pick a resolution that lasts? It’s all about doing something you can stick with – and more importantly, enjoy – for the long run.
For me, long-distance running is what withstood the resolution test of time. The health benefits have enriched my personal life, which has ultimately had a positive impact on my business. Well before the days of aerobics and Wii Fit, I began running as a way to stay in shape. While traveling, running was something I could do in any city. It kept me fit and energized, whether in my living room or the boardroom.
Now, 30+ years later, I can look back on the running journals I’ve kept, which chronicles each run, including the distance, time, weather conditions, and more. That journal became a hot topic at the recent Hellman holiday party in December. When asked about my “personal odometer” to date, I figured that I’d averaged about 2,500 miles a year. Multiply that by 30 years and that’s 75,000 miles! To put that into perspective, the circumference of earth at the equator is approximately 24,901 miles. That’s equivalent to running around the world three times. And as a result, I have had decades of good health, for which I attribute so many other positives in my personal and professional life.
So what’s the moral of the story? If your resolution is to improve yourself this year – find something you can stick with. Something that interests you, and has the all-around potential to better your life at home – and at work. I speak from experience when I say – it pays off in the long run.
Bob Hellman is the Founder and Chairman of the Board at Hellman, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Build Our Ballpark.
Tags: Advertising, health, Hellman, Iowa, Marketing, New Year, Public Relations, reflection, resolution, resolutions, running, Waterloo
