Lessons From Falling On Your Face (Literally)

One sunny day in July 2009 I set out for a run as I’d been doing often. I am not a runner but I do–or did, rather–run and I was becoming excited at my slow but steady increase in stamina and speed. Five minutes into my run, my right foot caught in the loop of my left shoe lace and I fell, felled tree style, to the ground, smashing my knees, palms, and the iPhone I was holding while running.

Oomph.

I rose slowly and began to walk toward home.

“I’ll get home faster if I jog a little,” I thought and so I began to job, slowly and painfully. My foot caught again, I fell again. Oomph, again. And until last week, that was the last time I ran–13 months ago. I am king of “resting my body” infinitely. So what does running have to teach me about life?

The old saying, “If you fall, get back up” really does hold true. I’ve discovered I enjoy swimming and cycling much more than running, and I’ve also realized that it’s much easier to run a few miles than go on a substantial bike ride or get myself to the pool for a swim–so I should embrace it.

I fall on my face at work too. I forget to place orders on time or I fall behind on goals and deadlines. What then? Realize you’ve fallen and own it, ask for a hand to get up, if you need it. Tend to any cuts and bruises (and call the client!). And then tie your shoelaces tighter next time so that you don’t fall.

Photo by Nicholas Smale