Every Second Counts

2-Minute Read

Every second of our life is productive. We just don’t realize it.

When we think about productivity, we often focus on the hard efforts: the grueling runs, the tough workouts, showing up every day for your training. And yes, these moments are essential for growth. But there’s a trap in viewing productivity through this lens alone—it makes us feel like any time outside of “hard work” is wasted.

The truth is: every second of our life contributes to our goals. Not just the “work” time, but the downtime, the slow moments in between, and the “off” times that don’t seem as tangible. We just have to be intentional about viewing it that way. 

Every second can be productive.

Hard Work: The Core of Productivity

We all know that hard work is a necessary ingredient for success. It’s in the sweat, the grind, and the moments of pushing through discomfort that we build ourselves, both with physical and mental strength. This is where the bulk of our growth happens—during the “hard” work.

But here’s the thing: work is only part of the equation. We all know that we can't simply spend all our time running, lifting, and pushing our limits. We'll burn out. And that’s when downtime becomes just as vital as the hard work itself. Without it, we lose the ability to push hard in the future.

Every Second Matters

We should be viewing all moments of "inaction" as invested time. Downtime is the key to making that hard work sustainable, as we allow our bodies and minds to repair, recharge, and prepare for the next challenge. It then becomes as important as the hard work itself.

But what about moments that aren't obvious rest? The trips to the grocery store, the hours spent commuting, the social obligations that feel like distractions (corporate happy hour)? Sometimes this feels like true wasted time. But this is a mindset issue. 

If we allow ourselves to view time as wasted, then it'll be exactly that. We won't be in a proper mindset to enjoy the time. We'll be anxious, annoyed, in a rush... and it won't be useful. We won't recover, it won't be restful, and the time will indeed be wasted. But it's a result of our mindset.

ALL time outside of hard effort can (and should) be considered time to decompress, clear our minds, and find new perspectives. We just have to be intentional about viewing it this way. 

Balance Is Key

Of course, there’s a catch to this, and it’s the ever-present concept of balance. If we only worked all the time, we’d burn out quickly. If we only rested, we wouldn’t move forward. Both are necessary, and neither can exist without the other.

All of our time is productive in a way. That’s true. BUT only if both hard work and downtime are always present in our lives. They are complimentary, not opposites.

The Ratio May Change

Over time, the balance of work and rest may shift. As we become stronger physically and mentally, we may be able to handle more work, more effort. But the principle remains: all of our time can be productive if we use it with intention.

Final Thoughts

Whether we’re working hard in our runs or recharging for the next challenge, the key is mindfulness. It’s understanding that both action and inaction are working toward the same goal. One fuels the other. And through this balance, we set ourselves up for long-term success, growth, and sustained passion for the sport.

With this mindset, we build a routine we love and train consistently. Because with consistency, we build passion.