I used to run on a treadmill at the gym. Once my playing basketball days became more limited – even non-existent – I needed to find a new cardiovascular routine. I didn’t hate running, so it became my “go to” exercise.

A few years ago, I built an exercise room in my house, ending my gym membership. That concluded my treadmill days, so I had to go out hit the road. My daughter Kelli introduced me to a concept of interval run-walking. It was a minute of run, followed by a minute of walk for the duration.

The other morning as I was out for my run, it dawned on me the significant difference between an indoor treadmill and running outside.

The treadmill is safer — no cars. No slippery or uneven surfaces. No dogs chasing you.

The treadmill is more comfortable — no rain. No wind. No cold. No dark.

The treadmill is sterile. You can watch television or other people “treadmilling.” You can listen to music or a podcast. Regardless, the road and view are consistently the same.

On the other hand, running outside is a different perspective every day, even with the same route. You get to feel the elements, from bitter cold and dark to bright sunshine and warmth. You must manage cars, bicyclists, and noise. You must be cognizant of the surfaces.

You must be aware and adjust to everything. And in return, the journey is more spirited.

I’m not knocking those who run on treadmills. Heck, I even have one at home to use for when there is significant inclement weather. My point is metaphorical for how we live our lives.

December is a month of reflection for me. My birthday falls at the end of it; it’s a time to recap the previous year and think ahead to the next. I’m certain that all of us are contemplative of our own lives during at this time of year. It’s as good a time as any to identify where and how we are “running.”

A treadmill requires a lot of energy and exertion. The tread speed can be increased to escalate the effort or decreased to provide respite. Regardless, the treads remain the same and that feeling like you’ve done a heckuva lot of work and gone nowhere remains.

The journey is safe, measured, and consistent. There is nothing wrong with any of those, unless they become so ingrained in life that they morph into boredom, monotony, and apathy.

The only thing “normal” about business and life is that nothing is normal. We should all embrace it and aim to run our race the same way. In a nearly two-year period where we have been thrown for a loop with a global pandemic, isn’t now the best time to face the hills of life with zeal rather than dread?

If you’re like me and doing a little reflecting and planning this month, allow me to offer some ideas to help you enhance your “running” experience:

Idea No. 1: Don’t get bitter, get better

There is a proliferation of news – including and being led by social media – that can get anyone angry, unhappy, or bitter. Even those with the sunniest dispositions have been affected at times over the past two years.

While that is human, don’t let it fester. Don’t get bitter, get better. Find ways to control what you can control. That includes what you consume for media, the people you choose to engage with, and your mindset.

Sometimes we must walk away from the constant treadmill we’ve been on for a long time. While it seems comfortable, it can also be contaminating our spirit. Each one of us has it within ourselves to be better, but that often means making some sort of uncomfortable change.

Idea No. 2: Take care of your mentals

This is wisdom from that great philosopher and former Seahawks star running back, Marshawn Lynch. Shortly after he retired, he counseled players to “...take care of your chicken (code for money), take care of your mentals...”

We’ve seen several brave people reveal how they had to confront their own mental health issues. While the most prominent are coming from the celebrities like athletes, artists, and entertainers, make no mistake that we non-celebrities are at as much risk of needing help.

Employers must be attuned and empathetic to the challenges employees might be facing. Employees must do the same for their bosses. Let’s face it, this has been and continues to be challenging times for businesses due to staffing, supply chain, and uncertainty.

On the personal front, we have family, friends, and community members that all are likely dealing with something. We just don’t know it. Kindness and understanding go a long way towards being supportive. Of note, that includes kindness and support to ourselves by taking care of our own mentals first.

Idea No. 3: Get off the damn treadmill and just run into the wind

I get safe. I’ve been in the risk management and insurance industry for nearly 35 years. But “risk” gets a bad rap. Risk is simply defined as uncertainty. We all take risks daily that we never even give a second thought to. Now is the time to jump off the treadmill and embrace that uncertainty.

I’d rather run in the rain than in the wind. Running into the wind is hard, uncomfortable, and exhausting. And at the end it is exhilarating if one allows it to be.

I used to consider my birthday as marking another year in the books. After I turned 50, I realized I was thinking about it all wrong. I’ve now started considering it the mark of a new year, a new adventure ahead. And the best way to get that adventure started is to make at least one change that scares you just a little bit.

As we look forward to the upcoming calendar year, I want to thank you for following me work. I wish for you a brisk and bright run and that you slide in ahead of the tag in 2022!

Dan Weedin is a strategist, speaker, author and executive coach. He helps small business and middle market business leaders and entrepreneurs to grow more profitably and create a better life. He was inducted into the Million Dollar Consultant™ Hall of Fame in 2012. You can reach Dan at 360-271-1592; e-mail at dan@danweedin.com or visit his web site at www.DanWeedin.com.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Dan Weedin: Taking a look at how you run the race