The Starting Line
“Leave early. Don’t work long hours. Just get the result.”
When my friend, a CEO, said this, I could see her vision: a workplace where employees thrive, balancing productivity with well-being. It’s a beautiful idea, and one that resonates deeply. But as she spoke, I could also feel the tension lurking beneath her words.
Her employees, especially the new ones, are struggling. They want to meet expectations, but they lack the skills, the tools, and the confidence to do so. And without that foundation, they end up running in circles—burning hours just to stay afloat.
It reminded me of the early days of ultrarunning. Standing at the starting line of my first 100-kilometer race, I felt the weight of the journey ahead. I had the will to finish, but I didn’t yet know how. And as every runner knows, willpower alone won’t carry you across the finish line.
The Path
The truth is, results aren’t just about effort; they’re about clarity, preparation, and persistence. My friend didn’t reach the top of her field overnight. She put in the long hours, the extra effort, the grueling work that honed her craft. But now, as a leader, she wants her employees to skip that part.
It’s a paradox. To earn the freedom of leaving early, you first have to master the skills that make efficiency possible. Mastery takes time—time that feels messy, chaotic, and often frustrating.
For the new employees, this phase is their proving ground. They’re navigating an overwhelming workload, uncertain of the priorities or the path forward. They’re putting in hours that might seem excessive, but those hours are building something invaluable: a foundation of competence and confidence.
And for the CEO? Her challenge is even harder. She has to bridge the gap between her vision of balance and the reality of her team’s inexperience. Leadership means more than setting goals—it means giving others the tools to reach them.
The Finish Line
The dilemma between balance and results isn’t a problem to be solved; it’s a dynamic to be navigated.
For employees, the lesson is this: the long hours aren’t a punishment; they’re a phase. Like the first few ultramarathons I ran, they’re about learning the route, finding your rhythm, and building the skills that will one day make the path easier.
For leaders, the takeaway is empathy. The freedom you now enjoy came from years of effort. Your team is just starting their journey. Show them the way. Give them the tools, the guidance, and the grace to learn—because the finish line isn’t just about the result. It’s about how you get there.
And for all of us, whether we’re leading or learning, it’s worth remembering: the path is never clear at the start. But with each step, the way forward reveals itself.
Stay patient, stay present, and trust the process.
Peace be the journey,
– Ace
One Way Grit 