In my DoD contracting day job, we recently submitted a proposal for some important work. It’s actually the work we already do with new work added, so basically we have to recompete for our jobs. That’s another story for another day (maybe covered by 60 Minutes) but I digress. For those who aren’t familiar with government contracting, this kind of proposal work is no kidding hard work stretched over a brief, defined period of time (in this case, about a month). We had been preparing for months knowing it was coming, and when the announcement came, we were ready. We worked hard over many long days and nights. We hit bumps along the way but we always recovered and got back on course. Some of my team members pulled off what appeared to be miracles, creating amazing and innovative solutions that we didn’t think were possible. In the end, we delivered an amazing proposal and I am honored to be a part of such a great team. Even if we don’t win, we have something to make us proud.

Why do I mention this? Being the CrossFit junkie that I am, I always see real life parallels between what happens at the box and what happens in life, especially the workplace. Working on this proposal was like preparing for a big WOD (Workout of the Day for the non-CFers) or a competition. You plan for it and prepare. When it’s starts, it’s like hearing 3,2,1…GO! Adrenaline flows, emotions flare. Once you’re in it, you work harder than you thought you could. Hopefully you follow your plan, but you may have to adjust. There are times when you want to quit, and you may take a quick breather and then get back on it. You may surprise yourself by doing something you’ve never done before. In the end, you deliver. You may win, you may lose, or you may have a personal best. Hopefully, you have surrounded yourself with a good team—people who bring out the best in you and people who cheer for you because they know you and want you to succeed. Whatever happens, you learn and that experience becomes part of who you are. Then you start the whole process over again!

One thing I can say for sure. Even though this proposal kept me from making it to the gym regularly throughout the last month, the time I have spent training has truly helped me to make it through this tough work time. I capitalized on my strengths while relying heavily on the strengths of others to make up for my gaps. I have gained physical and mental stamina that made it easier for me to push through reviewing complicated text or completing boring administrative tasks late at night when all I wanted was to sleep. I was pushed out of my comfort zone but I gained some new skills. I had confidence in myself and my team that made it easy for us all to push through together. I am pretty sure we are going to win, and if we don’t, I can be confident that this was a personal best for a lot of us. If we lose, we will be gracious and do what we can to help the incoming team. Just know that in my mind, I will be flipping each and every one of them like a 350lb tire, watching them flop on the ground with a thud. I am, after all, a competitor at heart. And God help them if they ever have to compete against me again, because I will be ready.

Did someone say tire flip?

I’ll be back at the box today, coaching at 0600 and then working with a trainer to renew my commitment. Tomorrow I get to watch all of our CrossFit Annandale athletes compete against each other in small internal competition. I can’t wait to find out what lessons are in store for me next!