In Stride: Finding Your Perfect Pace in Business and Life

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you fall into stride with someone, whether it’s on a run or in the boardroom. If you’ve ever joined me for a jog, you know what I’m talking about. It’s not just about moving forward; it’s about moving forward together. There’s this effortless rhythm that happens when your footsteps sync, your breathing aligns, and the journey becomes more than just about reaching the finish line—it becomes an experience. This couldn’t be more true than in the world of business.

Take this photo of me running with my friend and colleague, David Hinkle. We’re not just running; we’re in harmony, stride for stride, working toward a goal. To me, this picture is a reminder that when you’re in stride with the right people, you can go further and faster than you ever thought possible. So, let’s take this idea and apply it to business—because, trust me, business is a marathon, not a sprint.

Finding the Right Running Partner: Why It Matters

In both fitness and business, success isn’t just about sheer strength or speed; it’s about endurance and consistency. I’ve learned that if your goals and values don’t align with those of your partners, you’ll end up tugging in opposite directions, constantly disrupting the flow of progress. Sure, you can try to force it, but it’s not sustainable, and it certainly won’t be pretty.

Just like finding the right running partner, surrounding yourself with the right people in business is crucial. They need to share your vision, match your energy, and complement your strengths. When you’re with the right partners, teamwork feels less like a series of compromises and more like a smooth glide toward the finish line. It’s about understanding each other and pacing yourselves—not burning out by trying to keep up or slowing down to wait.

The Shared Rhythm of Teamwork

When David and I run together, there’s a rhythm we naturally find. It’s not forced; it’s not strained—it just is. That rhythm carries us through the tough miles, and it’s a lot like running a business with a solid team. If everyone’s marching to the beat of the same drum, the journey toward achieving our business goals becomes smoother and a lot more enjoyable.

At z11 communications, I’ve seen firsthand how that shared rhythm makes all the difference. We’re not just working with clients; we’re creating campaigns that exceed expectations because we’re moving in sync. We’re not constantly stopping to correct our course; we’re flowing together toward a common goal.

Aligning Goals for Maximum Progress

Before I set out on any run—or any business project—I always ask myself, “What’s my goal?” Is it to finish faster than last time? To enjoy the scenery along the way? Or maybe to push my endurance to new heights? When everyone involved is clear on the why, the how becomes much easier.

In business, we often talk about setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. But just as important is ensuring that my team’s goals are in stride with one another. If one of us is aiming to sprint ahead while someone else wants to maintain a steady pace, we’re bound to run into conflict. The beauty comes when everyone’s goals are not just aligned but also mutually supportive, much like a perfectly paced run with a trusted partner.

Going Further, Faster—Together

The magic of being in stride with the right people is that you create a momentum that propels you forward. The collective energy and focus drive you past obstacles and through moments of fatigue. On a run, that means pushing each other to maintain a challenging pace while still enjoying the journey. In business, it means building a team where each member is empowered to contribute their best, knowing that their efforts are driving the whole group forward.

At z11 communications, we know how powerful the right partnerships can be. When we’re in stride with our clients, understanding their visions and goals, we’re able to create work that doesn’t just meet expectations—it blows them out of the water. We’re not just checking off tasks; we’re running the race together, with the wind at our backs and the finish line in our sights.

Finding Your Stride

So, what’s the takeaway here? Whether I’m running through a park on a crisp morning or navigating the fast-paced world of business, I’ve learned that finding your stride with the right partners can make all the difference. It’s about aligning your goals, sharing the same rhythm, and motivating each other to go further and faster than you could on your own.

It’s not about forcing someone in the right direction. It’s about finding those people who are already headed where you want to go and falling into stride with them. When you do, the journey becomes not just about reaching your destination, but also about enjoying every step along the way.

So, lace up your shoes, align your goals, and find your running partners—whether they’re out on the trail or sitting across the conference table. Because when you’re in stride together, there’s no limit to how far you can go.