Lions and gazelles on the African plains both start their day with the same action. They both start running. The gazelle knows it must outrun the fastest lion or be killed. The lion knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve.
In the legendary words of security analyst Dan Montano, “It doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or the gazelle: When the sun comes up, you’d better be running.”
The most successful people have long held a similar motivation. They start the day with energy. They know that energy alone is a force multiplier. Those who make the decision to begin the day with animation and spirit often project that vigor throughout the day to their great advantage.
People are attracted to that energy and often find it contagious. Sometimes, it is the energy alone that pushes through and overcomes adversity.
The best leaders know this is a habit and a choice, not something we are born with. Less invigorated leaders start the day with little exuberance, preferring to ease into the morning. They soon slow-step their way into the afternoon, as well. We might say that those inclined to slow starts have found their “get-up-and-go“ got up and went. No one knows where. But they have chosen this path. It hasn’t chosen them.
Making a different choice is all about commitment. When leaders are excited to get things done, they find the power and energy to start fast and keep the wheels turning. The more they lose themselves in something bigger than themselves, the more energy they find.
As Benjamin Franklin liked to say, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” Leaders are conquerors when it comes to finding the will to run throughout the day. When the sun comes up, leaders lace up the running shoes.
