How to “Run Your Race”: Lessons in Ego and Empowerment
Hear from Allan, Department Manager, retired athlete and member of the Black Organizational Leadership at Discover (BOLD) employee resource group. He shares his insights on ego, empowerment and plant the seeds of intention.
Allan Glover
Department Manager
Phoenix, AZ
Pronouns: He/Him/His
My senior year of high school, I ran the 400M in the state finals. I remember it like it was yesterday. I walked from the bleachers to the track, my Coach saying, “Run your race.” In the moment, I thought like most foolish kids do, be quiet. I thought, I’m ready and no one can beat me. The starters
pistol fired, and I left the blocks stronger than ever before. Midway through the back stretch, I had the lead and it felt great. But because I started so strong, I didn’t have my normal closing speed, which I was known for. Needless to say, I got caught at the line and came in second place. I didn’t run the way I prepared all season. Why? Ego and the choice not to listen. Always prepare and trust your preparation. Run the race that you trained for and remain coachable.
I heard this statement shared once, “Pain is temporary, it may last for a minute, an hour, a day or even a year, but it will subside and something will eventually take its place.” Feel empowered to prepare for that moment. Pay attention to what you feed yourself, because the secret of change is focusing your energy, not on the old, but building your new. Our strength and growth comes from these struggles.
I’m a ferocious reader and surround myself with people that look different, and think different. It creates a universe of self-reflection, which is integral to personal growth.
Over the course of my career, a hard truth I’ve learned is to create the highest, grandest vision for my life. No matter where I am right now, I can have the future that I want. But I know I have to plant seeds of intention. Athletes talk about visualization and subscribe to it. I ask myself, what’s my blueprint? After all, we are only born with two fears: loud noises and falling. Everything else is learned.
Learn more about Discover’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Black Organizational Leadership at Discover (BOLD) employee resource group.