Why the Left Foot?

Applying Military Discipline, Ultrarunning Grit, and Business Savvy to Everyday Challenges

"Left Foot, Right Foot."

It’s simple, almost too simple, yet it holds so much meaning for me. Back in my Navy days, all basic drill instructions began with the left side. When you march, you always lead with your left foot. That rhythm became second nature, a reminder that progress begins with a single, deliberate step. Over time, it’s become more than a drill instruction; it’s a life philosophy.

This principle has deep roots in military tradition. According to the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual, leading with the left foot is an essential part of every drill movement. It’s not just about uniformity; it’s about establishing rhythm, control, and the act of moving forward with purpose. That simple instruction—start with the left—carries a metaphorical weight that resonates far beyond the parade ground.

In the world of ultra running, every single step matters. It doesn’t always feel heroic or impressive, but whether I’m just starting the race and have convinced myself I’m going to PR today or I’m barely moving and simply trying to get to that next tree 50 yards ahead, each footfall inches me closer to my goal. Sometimes those steps are strong and confident; other times, they’re slow and shaky. But they count all the same. Miles, kilometers, even those tiny moments when I’m just catching my breath—they’re all part of the journey. That’s the thing about endurance sports: they teach you that progress isn’t always flashy. Often, it’s about persistence. It’s about showing up, putting one foot in front of the other, and trusting that you’ll get there.

This concept is well-articulated in the ultrarunning community. As highlighted in an article from Relentless Forward Commotion, walking during an ultramarathon is quite normal—even elite runners incorporate power hiking to maintain forward momentum on challenging terrains. The emphasis is on relentless forward progress, understanding that every step, whether a run or a walk, propels you closer to the finish line. It’s one step closer to your goal.

And isn’t that the same in life and work? I mean, how often do we look at a challenge ahead of us and think, “Wow, that’s a mountain I’m not sure I can climb”? It could be a massive project at work, a tough personal decision, or even just getting through a particularly rough day. Imposture syndrome can creep in and you start to doubt yourself and your abilities. The thing is, you don’t conquer the mountain by staring at it. You conquer it by starting—with one step. Just like running, the pace doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you’re moving.

In my professional life, I’ve found this philosophy to be a game changer. Whether I’m working on a new strategy, trying to solve a complicated problem, or just figuring out the next best move, the key is always the same: take that first step. Adjust as needed. Keep going. It doesn’t matter if the progress is slow or messy—it’s still progress.

This concept in business is often referred to as continuous improvement. Take the example of adopting continuous improvement strategies for business growth. A recent article by Nagarro highlights how businesses can foster growth by setting realistic goals, cultivating a culture of innovation, and using data-driven decision-making. These principles are not just theoretical; they are actively applied by leading companies. Much like Unilever, businesses that focus on streamlining processes, eliminating inefficiencies, and investing in their core strengths can achieve significant improvements over time. While these changes may not always make headlines, they can drive long-term success through steady, intentional progress.

"Left Foot, Right Foot" isn’t just about running or work. It’s about how we approach life. It’s a mindset that says, “You don’t have to have it all figured out; you just have to move forward.” It’s permission to be imperfect and encouragement to be persistent. Whether you’re chasing a finish line, leading a team, or just trying to get through a particularly challenging season, the answer is the same. Take that step. Then the next.

So, my friend, wherever you are on your journey, whatever challenge you’re staring down, remember this: forward is forward. It doesn’t matter how big or small the steps feel. Keep going. Every single step is a victory. Left foot. Right foot. Repeat.

Pages, Screens, and Streams

In a world where innovative ideas are constantly vying for attention, transforming a concept into a successful business can feel daunting. However, Tony Fadell's Build has emerged as an essential guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. Recognized as the business book of the year for 2024, it offers invaluable insights on how to navigate the journey from idea to execution.

Fadell, famously known as the lead designer of the iPhone, shares his unique perspective on product development and startup culture. The beauty of Build lies in its practical advice, which is rooted in real-world experience. Fadell emphasizes that the process of bringing an idea to life involves not just creativity but also a structured approach to development.

Key takeaways from the book include the importance of refining your idea and understanding your target market. Fadell encourages readers to embrace feedback, iterate on their concepts, and remain adaptable in the face of challenges. These all sound like Left Foot Right Foot thinking to me. His anecdotes provide a relatable context, making it easier for readers to connect with the material.

Remember that the path to success is often paved with trial and error. Build serves as a reminder that every great business starts with an idea, and with the right mindset and tools, you can turn your vision into reality. While this book might be marketed to entrepreneurs, the lessons are just sound advice for business and life.

Optimized and Energized

I’m always looking for continued improvement. Tools which help me become more efficient and effective are on the top of my list to explore. I had heard about Notion for a while now through my Chief of Staff communities. I finally dug in and now I’m hooked. I quickly discovered its transformative potential for both myself and the companies I collaborate with. In today’s fast-paced world, staying organized is not merely a luxury; it’s a necessity. Notion has proven to be a game changer in my quest for efficiency and clarity.

Whether managing projects, tracking tasks, or organizing information, Notion's versatility allows for a level of customization that is hard to find elsewhere. I’ve implemented no-code solutions that streamline processes and enhance productivity. What makes Notion stand out is its intuitive interface, which makes it accessible to users of all skill levels.

One of the most exciting aspects of Notion is the ability to share my work seamlessly with clients. By creating tailored solutions, like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, I can address each client’s unique needs. This customization fosters better communication and collaboration, ensuring everyone stays aligned.

As I dive deeper into Notion’s capabilities, I continue to explore new features that optimize my workflow. From building databases to creating collaborative documents, the platform offers a wealth of tools adaptable to various needs.

I’m just getting started playing with this tool. It has streamlined my operations and opened doors to new possibilities. I look forward to sharing more insights and tips on how to maximize its potential in future newsletters. Stay tuned!

Thriving Through the Miles

Dropping out of an ultra at Jupiter Ridge Sand Spur in 2021 is a decision that still weighs heavily on me. It’s not easy to admit, but sometimes the toughest decision is to step back, reassess, and prioritize our health over a race. We often push ourselves to the limit, driven by the need to achieve, whether it's a medal or a personal best. But as we’re just getting started on our 2025 goals, I’ve come to realize how important it is to set stretch goals. These goals challenge us, motivate us to strive for more, and give us something to work toward. However, it’s equally important to acknowledge that we won’t— and honestly shouldn’t—achieve every goal we set for ourselves.

In those moments when things don’t go as planned, we need the mental and emotional capacity to deal with failure and setbacks. Dropping out of that race felt like a setback at the time, but it turned into an opportunity for reflection and growth. It allowed me to reassess my approach, adjust my training, and prioritize my health over the pursuit of a finish line.

Resilience in ultra-running isn’t just about finishing every race. It’s about knowing when to step away and recognizing that our journey, whether in sport, life, or business, is filled with ups and downs. The key is embracing those moments, learning from them, and using that insight to shape the future. Sometimes, the most powerful choice is to acknowledge our limits and focus on the long-term goal—whether that’s in a race or in life.

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Left foot, right foot—it’s a simple rhythm, but it leads to big things. Thank you for checking out my first post. I’m excited to share more tools, stories, and insights with you in the days ahead. Let’s keep moving forward!

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