What Are You Running For?

Running Toward a Vision

Picture yourself at the starting line, poised to take off. The sunrise is just peeking over the horizon, casting a warm glow across your path. You can feel the energy in the air, the quiet excitement that comes with knowing the race you're about to run is worth it—worth risking it all. A smile creeps across your face. You know you’ve got this. Because deep down, you know what you’re running for.

You’re not running away from something. You’re running for something. Something bigger. Something that makes the journey worth every step.

I know this is true because I’ve been there. Whether it’s work or life, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of running from things—running from stress, running from fear, running from failure. I totally get it. It took years of working through fear, through discomfort, through unfortunate moments of toxicity to learn how to take those things in stride and stay fueled by the forces of good more than those moments that were trying to keep me down. But it’s amazing what happens when you flip the script. What if you focus on what you're running for instead of from?

See It Clearly Now

When you know what you’re running for, that’s where the magic happens. You’re not just moving for the sake of it—you’re driven by purpose. Whether it’s for a healthier life, a legacy you’re building, or a world you want to change, the goal becomes your compass. Every step forward is a step closer to something meaningful. And when you run for something, you’ll find that you’re not running alone.

I’ve seen this in my own life, especially recently. After 19 and a half years in a partnership, I made a leap to run on my own, founding Leaders Uplifted. It wasn’t easy—no big decision ever is—but I knew what I was running for. I was running toward a vision. A new business. A chance to help people in ways that were truer to who I am and what I stand for. And something amazing happened. I found that when you run for something, you meet others who are running in the same direction. They’re playing the same game—one about improving the world, lifting others, and creating real change.

When you’re aligned with that vision, the path gets clearer. The obstacles feel smaller. And every step forward feels like a victory.

The Shift from Hustle to Shine

It’s easy to get swept up in the grind. Society loves to talk about hustling—rise and grind, push through, work harder- and I’ve been in this intense flow too. But in my own life, and I think in many others- we’ve realized it’s time for a shift. Instead of hustling, why not rise and shine? Instead of grinding, let’s focus on glowing. Because when you know what you’re running for, it’s not about the grind. It’s about the joy of the pursuit.

Remember running for class president back in school- did you try this out too? I think it was seventh grade for me, and I quickly figured out that it wasn’t about just winning. It was about standing for something and giving it your all. I had a mission, a vision, a belief in what I could bring to the table. I made the posters and hung them up on the school walls, enlisted friends to wear t-shirts and cheer on my campaign. And when I didn’t win- not by a landslide- I didn’t let it phase me because I knew my opportunity to lead was still ahead of me. Plus, I only came out stronger on the other side of defeat. The lesson was that this temporary loss made me stronger for the next race, the next campaign. All the way forward to calling myself an entrepreneur today. That’s the kind of energy I’m talking about. Running for something means being driven by passion, not pressure. The win isn’t about a specific end, it’s about going for it and playing with integrity the whole time.

Trusting the Process

Here’s where it gets real: the road you’re running on won’t always be straight. It’ll have twists, turns, and unexpected obstacles. But when you’re running for something that matters, you trust the process. You keep going, knowing that even though the path isn’t always clear, the destination is worth it.

It’s about believing that things are working out in your favor, even when you can’t see it. That’s what gets you through the rough patches—the belief that every twist in the road is part of the journey. You’re not running aimlessly; you’re moving with intention, with purpose. And each step brings you closer to turning that vision into reality.

I felt this deeply when I founded Leaders Uplifted. There were moments when the path seemed anything but clear. There were challenges, doubts, and detours. But I kept running because I believed in the vision. I trusted the process, and as I kept going, I found others who believed in it too. The right people, the right opportunities—they appeared when I needed them most. That’s the power of running for something.

OK, Let’s Play

So, what are you running for? This is where it gets fun. It’s time to dig deep and find that inner motivation. The thing that lights you up inside, that makes you want to lace up those shoes and hit the ground running, day after day. Because once you know what you’re running for, the journey becomes so much more meaningful.

Ready: What’s the vision you’re chasing?

Set: What does it look like when you get there? How will your life, your career, or the world around you change?

Go: Try these steps to run FOR something.

• Reconnect with Your Why: Take a moment to remind yourself of the bigger picture. What are you running toward? Keep that vision in front of you.
• Rise and Shine, Not Grind: Shift the focus from the hustle to the joy of the journey. Remember, you’re not just moving for the sake of it—you’re running for something bigger.
• Trust the Process: The path won’t always be clear, but that’s okay. Trust that every step, even the detours, are leading you closer to your goal.
• Stay Hopeful: Hold onto hope, even in the tough times. Things are working out for you, and the best is yet to come.

Your Call to Action: Run Toward Something, Not Away

This week, ask yourself: what are you running for? Whether it’s personal growth, a business vision, or something as simple as finding more joy in your work, make it clear. And then run toward it with everything you’ve got.

Remember, the journey isn’t just about reaching the finish line—it’s about every step along the way. Run with hope, run with purpose, and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be.

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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!