In the pursuit of my multi-year goal to run a half marathon in every state, I have run past amazing people cheering their faces off. What makes a race a truly outstanding experience is usually the spectators cheering the runners on. I’ve always felt that people who show up to cheer for strangers are a special breed of human beings. They are the angels walking among us. It is incredible how the support of a complete stranger - one smile, one cheer, can make a huge difference. Positive emotions are infectious. After the DC Cherry Blossom race last year, I made the commitment to be on the other side of the race and do the cheering. It took me a while, but finally, this past weekend, I was part of The San Francisco Marathon, as a spectator. I had a blast. I read that there were about 80,000 spectators on race day. As the saying goes: “when the race begins, the cheering never stops.” The crowd was cheering with excitement bringing positive vibes and high energy to boost runners’ motivation.
Every year, millions of people all over the world support runners on the sidelines of races with creative signs and cheers of encouragement. The support of spectators strengthens my determination to keep going and get to that finish line. Even just a thumbs up goes a long way. Honestly, the right word in the right place at the right time can inspire a runner to not quit, to keep doing the best. In both our personal and professional life, we all need cheerleaders to provide encouragement and support. Giving support starts with presence, showing up with positive intention and attention. Being an awesome spectator takes more than just assuming a spot and clapping for a couple of minutes or hours. In life too, if you want to maximize your support of others, you need to take a more proactive approach.
No one reaches their full potential without other people helping them along the way. Success needs the support of others. The bigger the goal, the more support the goal-getter will ultimately need. As a proactive spectator, your role is to propel people forward and further their success. Motivating others is about providing the support people need to achieve their goals – both the tools they need to succeed and the emotional support they need to stay on track. Support can span from physical to emotional, from tangible assistance to showing genuine caring and providing moral support. It can include sharing information and knowledge, giving perspective and constructive feedback as well as lending a helping hand, or an ear. Pay attention when you see someone struggle and assess where they could use your help. Showing up for people enhances their performance. Proactive support means first asking people what level of support they need and then figuring out the specifics, the practical way in which you can provide the necessary encouragement and support to help them reach the finish line.
When showing up for people, aim to provide practical, thoughtful, and empowering support.
Practical Support
On race day: make an eye-catching sign. Pick your words of encouragement to make a morale-boosting message. And come bearing gifts, items that might help a runner along – think hydration and carbs.
On the job: keep your eyes open for anyone in need of encouragement and support. Everyone struggles with something. And everyone has something to give. Be the person who spreads positivity around by showing caring and kindness.
Thoughtful Support
On race day: motivation is key to success. You don’t need to be creative with your cheers. Just be there to offer positive encouragement to give runners a boost when they need it most.
On the job: encouragement can be shown in many different ways. Ask people how they are doing and really strive to understand to be able to offer help that’s actually helpful.
Empowering Support
On race day: to empower means “to put power into.” Bring energy and enthusiasm. It’s not about you. Be mindful of the energy you bring as it affects others. Make space for others to shine.
On the job: the energy you radiate affects others. Empowering people means giving them opportunities and making the space for them to shine, and then being happy for their accomplishments.
Cheering for strangers at a race is a truly rewarding experience. A smile and an encouraging word can mean the world to someone who’s struggling to keep their mind in the race. At work, be that reliable voice of positivity and encouragement, every day. To get support on your journey, you need to support others on theirs. Anything you can offer; all the little things count. Remember: even a tiny gesture can make a difference.
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