Support Crews

It has been over a week since my dad completed the Louisville, KY Ironman in 12 hours and 48 minutes.  This quite possibly was one of the most inspirational events I have ever been apart of or ever will be apart of.  Walking away from it, I knew that I had learned so much about the human spirit but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was that I had taken away from this event (other than I really want to get into better shape!).  

It took a rough day at work for me to realize that the greatest lesson I learned through the IronMan is that everyone needs a support crew.  In athletics that support crew would consist of your friends and family maybe even fellow participants.  In the workplace your support crew should be your peers and your boss.  Without a support crew it is virtually impossible to achieve those big, ultimate goals. 

Now, I know my dad could have completed the IronMan whether we were there or not (he is insanely driven) but the fact that we were there throughout the race (and all of the 9 months of training) made it much more enjoyable and exciting for him to accomplish that ultimate goal of crossing the finish line.   And I think even he will tell you that seeing us during the marathon run gave him that slight extra boost to keep on going.  In the end, it was an emotional moment for him to finish because we had all invested time, reassurance and love into an event we weren't even participating in. Basically we were the ultimate support crew :-)

What I have also found is that a support crew is also necessary in the working world.  Millennials have been given the unfair stigma that we need extra attention, that someone has to constantly tell us "Great Job!".  I think millennials deserve the same encouragement anyone would receive.  As much as older generations think that we believe we are entitled to promotions, I think we are eager to enhance the company we are currently with (especially if we really like the company).   Without a support crew from management and peers it is safe to say there is no promotion coming, and sanity will quickly dwindle with the same position.  It is fairly simple to find a support crew from peers but I think the hardest part is to find a mentor within your workplace to support you and drive you in the direction you want to grow. 

The biggest thing to take away from this is to remember that everyone has a support crew whether your goal is big or small, its just making sure you know who they are.  Once we recognize who these people are its time to put them in the forefront, and look past the naysayers and those who are not going to strengthen you through your 140.6 mile goal.