What If Pushing Ourselves Physically Makes Us Better Leaders?

Written by Sara Weston, PMP, ENP

One of my favorite quotes comes from Eleanor Roosevelt, “It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.”  Notice that it doesn’t say “unable to do" or “don’t have time to do.” Eleanor specifically says “unwilling.”  I’ve always been drawn to those who lead by example.  That’s the kind of leader I want to be, and that’s the lens through which I write this article.

Take a moment to imagine a physical challenge that you aspire to achieve but it seems impossible. This could be running a 5K, lifting heavier weights, doing 100 pushups, finding your mother’s Jane Fonda aerobics VHS, and working out for an hour in those glorious leg warmers… that might be just me. Whatever it is, give it a moment in your mind; give it the realm of possibility in your imagination. 

In 2024, I achieved a personal record in my one-mile run time. I clearly recall, as I was settling into the work on the treadmill, thinking physical challenges aren’t just about endurance—they’re about building resilience, reinforcing self-belief, and proving to myself that I am capable of doing hard things. And here’s what I’ve learned: what I accomplish physically ripples into every other part of my life, especially in my role as a leader.

Achieving a grueling physical goal had me thinking about why something like this would matter to me.  I’m not any kind of track star; I don’t even run races, so why am I pushing myself in this way? Here’s how I see it: There are zero shortcuts to accomplishing a physical goal.  No one can take an accomplishment like running a mile away from you. No one can claim that it’s “who you know,” “that it was handed to you,” or “you faked your way.” Nope, it was literally between me and the treadmill. I put in the work, I showed up consistently, I made zero excuses, and I accomplished something that several years ago I thought was impossible for me. 

There is something incredibly powerful that happens when it’s you versus you.  It is up to you and you alone to achieve the goal. 

I think we all know that moving your body has an incredible amount of physical and mental health benefits. I believe that personal well-being is the cornerstone of effective leadership. By maintaining physical health, leaders can;

• Be better equipped to manage their responsibilities 

• Inspire others through their actions

• Endure tough seasons

• Set and achieve goals

Leaders who prioritize their physical health can lead by example, sending a message to others about the importance of self-care and well-being, which can motivate their teams to adopt similar habits.

Five Things I’ve Learned About Leadership From Pushing Myself Physically 

1. Embrace Discomfort to Grow

We don’t grow when things are easy. Growth happens when we face challenges head-on and push through discomfort. In running, that’s obvious. The moment my legs start to feel heavy, my breath becomes short, and the urge to stop kicks in - that’s when I have a choice. I can either let my mind give in to the discomfort, or I can push through it, knowing that each step I take is making me stronger.

In leadership, the same principle applies. Difficult conversations, tough decisions, and moments of high stress are all part of the leadership journey. The ability to sit with discomfort, stay focused, and push through the challenges is what separates great leaders from good ones. 

Whether it’s running a personal best or leading a team through a challenging project, embracing discomfort has been essential to my growth as a leader.

2. Resilience Is Built One Step at a Time

There’s a mental strength that comes with pushing your body to its limits. I didn’t wake up one day and run a mile in 6:16. It took months (okay, years) of training, small improvements, setbacks, and moments of frustration. But with each step, my body and mind became more resilient.

In leadership, resilience is equally important. Building a strong, high-performing team doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a series of small wins, hard lessons, and continuous learning. Just as I gradually improved my time by being consistent and committed, I’ve learned to approach leadership with the same patience and perseverance. 

I've learned that setbacks are just part of the journey and that resilience is built by keeping your focus on long-term goals—even when the short-term results don’t come as quickly as you want. 

3. Confidence Comes from Action

We all have moments where we doubt ourselves—when we question whether we’re capable of handling a tough situation or achieving something we’ve set our sights on. But the truth is, the most powerful form of self-belief comes from taking action.

For me, hitting that mile time wasn’t just about running fast; it was about proving to myself that I could take on something hard and succeed. This confidence spills over into leadership, where being secure in yourself helps you inspire and empower others. 

When you feel strong physically, you’re more likely to take on leadership challenges with a positive attitude.

4. Discipline in One Area Elevates Every Area of Your Life

Physical fitness requires consistency and discipline. Making time in your schedule, sticking to a training plan, and pushing through the tough days when motivation is low, all require self-discipline. It’s a commitment to long-term results rather than short-term comfort.

Being disciplined in my fitness routine has made me more disciplined in my approach to leadership. I am more consistent, more focused, and better at managing my time and energy. 

The mental clarity and stress relief that comes from exercise can help leaders stay focused and calm in difficult circumstances.

5. The Power of Physical Challenge

We often hear the phrase "mind over matter," but it's so much more than a catchy slogan. When I push myself physically, I’m not just working on my body. I’m strengthening my mind. The mental resilience I build in these moments transcends the physical. The struggle, the discomfort, the challenge - it all teaches me something about perseverance and grit. This sense of accomplishment doesn’t just stay in the gym.

Making yourself proud is something nobody can take away from you!

Doing Hard Things, Becoming a Stronger Leader

I achieved a personal record in the mile run on a particular day in 2024.  That was a great day and I felt really good. But I know that I’m not at my best every day. Because I show up consistently, even when the best I can do is walk, I progress.  I show up when I feel great, and I show up when I’d rather stay in bed.  When you show up, that’s where the magic happens. 

Pushing yourself physically means something unique to everyone.  You certainly don’t have to run a mile to reach these benefits.  Walking for 10 minutes, 15 minutes of yoga, finally joining that Zumba class…you need to figure out what would make you proud. If you’ve been holding back from a physical challenge or from stepping into that leadership role, I encourage you to take that first step. Start small, embrace the discomfort, and see how it transforms you. Not just in your body but in your ability to lead, inspire, and create positive change in your world.

Remember: You can do hard things. And in doing so, you will become a stronger, more resilient leader.

As we get set to kick off our 911der Women Virtual 5K season, we want to empower you and show you that it’s possible to show up for yourself.  And because you made it to the end of this article, you get to seize the moment and register early! Start your journey today with hundreds of public safety professionals from around the world - check it out here!

Thank you, Sara for sharing your experience with us. If you are interested in writing a blog, please email amanda@911derwomen.com. Sign up for our newsletter on our homepage to stay up to date with 911der Women programming, exclusive content and blog updates. Click here and scroll to the bottom.