Experience and Numbers

I’ve spent most of the past two months traveling throughout the country’s National and State Parks- hiking, running, reading, exploring.

I’ve often found myself on this journey orienting my experience toward numbers.

Can I read 52 books this year?

Can I run 60 miles this week?

Can I hike 15 miles today?

Can I visit 10 new states this summer?

Numbers allow us to set goals, which enable us to grow. Growth would not be possible without such an orientation toward numbers.

I’ve found it important though, to remember that numbers themselves are not the ultimate goal. Our deepest focus should not be on running a 50K, but rather on achieving actualization as a runner and reaching a state of mental flow while running. We don’t ultimately read books to cross them off our list, but rather to expand our curiosity and knowledge.

The same is true in business too. No business will grow without successfully achieving its sales goals- but these numbers are not themselves the ultimate purpose of the business. The business exists to execute upon its mission and vision.

Numbers allow us to grow, but it’s important not to lose sight of what we are growing for.

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