Running as a metaphor

What's colloquially called the haze, but is actually air pollution, happens annually in Singapore. This year, however, it's lasted longer than usual due to the size of the raging fires in Indonesia. As it's so bad, I've had to forego any running outside, however, as I reflect I can't help but turn to one of my favourite writers, Haruki Murakami, who wrote...

"For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor. Running day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar, and by clearing each level I elevate myself. At least that's why I've put in the effort day after day, to raise my own level. I'm no great runner, by any means. I'm at an ordinary, or perhaps more mediocre- level. But that's not the point. The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday."

It's a fact of life that you'll run into obstacles. As a runner, it could be injury or external forces which could stop you in your tracks. It's frustrating because it's out of your control and you just have to suck it up. The point is, running, like life, will never be a smooth ride, so what's important is being able to pick yourself up after these obstacles, and whether you can do it better than yesterday.

In my role, I see often how people react to everyday obstacles; some decide to take the easy path, whereas some dust themselves off and, I believe, become better for it.

So despite the obstacles; the little arguments with colleagues, the politics, the bickering with global, issues with your boss, the long hours, your salary... Know that you're running a marathon, not a sprint, and (hopefully) improving, every day.

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