VIP Vacations Inc.

Marathon runners often say that the hardest miles are the last five in their 26.2-mile quest. The adrenaline rush no longer masks the body’s fatigue, and the mind starts playing games. Yet, once they cross the finish line, they contend that it’s an incredibly rewarding accomplishment. The countless hours they spent training to build endurance, improving and actually finishing the race are instantly validated.

Discovering what pushes runners past those last five miles—and what generates the determination to work through torturous training—can help you harness the power of internal motivation, which is key to business success. Internal motivators can increase your productivity, maintain employee retention, help your business through difficult financial times and long hours, and assist you in dealing with rude or unappreciative customers. Always remember the runner’s mantra: Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can!

A study on motivation revealed that marathon runners share these six unique characteristics, which act as behavior catalysts.

—Runners possess an inherent belief that they can—and will—succeed. This belief discounts naysayers who tell them they can’t do it.

—When they need encouragement, runners intentionally surround themselves with those who have the same passions. Runners encourage other runners.

—If their performances aren’t improving with training, runners seek out coaches or running partners to push them.

—If runners’ training schedules are affected by outside forces, such as inclement weather, they change the environment where they train rather than using it as an excuse to take time off. If injured, they work other areas of their body as alternative training.

—Runners focus on their unique strengths to get past potential setbacks and rely on the hours spent training to guide them on how to get results and react under extreme fatigue.

—Their goals become greater than their pain, and completing the race becomes vital.

These unique motivation characteristics can apply to how we work and conduct our travel agency businesses.

—Approach tasks, challenges and hard work with a “you can do it” attitude. Dismiss negative feelings or fears yet acknowledge the task may be difficult.

—Surround yourself with those who are passionate about completing their goals. If those around you aren’t supportive, change your environment.

—Seek out those who inspire you to be better. Find opportunities to learn, grow and improve.

—When something outside of your control inhibits your goals, learn how to pivot and do not make excuses.

—Discover your unique strengths and understand your own weaknesses. Allow your strengths to empower you. Make efforts to improve what you lack. When difficult situations arise, fall back on your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses. Remember—setbacks don’t mean you have to stop pursuing your goals.

—Determine the work that you can’t not do in life and use it as a compass that guides you. Allow this compass to point to a destination that you must reach, above all else.