Ultra Runner and CEO Dan Waldschmidt Reveals How Ordinary People Achieve Outrageously Despite Tough Times

Common knowledge amongst most individuals, the peak of Mount Everest is one of the highest points on earth. In fact, many include Everest as a key destination on their bucket lists.  Nevertheless, this piece is not about the mountain itself, rather what it stands for: success and high achievement. Many have already made their way up Everest, but very few have done so running. One such person, Dan Waldschmidt, Co CEO of EDGY Inc, is the 10th person on the planet to accomplish this feat of reaching the summit by running. To understand the gravity of this achievement, over 300 people have died attempting to do the same.

The Ultra Runner and obsessive Co CEO of the strategy execution firm knows exactly how to achieve outrageously, even in seemingly impossible situations. Waldschmidt has a passion to help entrepreneurial leaders who strive for more. In an interview, he shared what any individual needs in order to perform beyond what is considered ordinary. In this article, I will break down how.

Extreme Behavior

What makes one a hero?  It only takes an ordinary person doing extraordinary deeds. Nothing is really out of our reach when you come to think about it. Plus, nothing would get done without putting in work. All thought leaders have this important factor in common; they put in more hours than the common worker. Most people work from 8 to 4, thinking it’s “enough” to reach financial freedom or any other goals they have set for themselves. The sad truth and reality is, simply doing “enough” is not what will make one stand out from the crowd. Instead, working hard to exceed mere expectations differentiates the extraordinary from the ordinary. As Waldschmidt put it, there’s not much that hard work can’t solve.

Someone might argue that working smart is better than working hard. Well, no matter how smart you are, you still have to put in the work. It’s not the smartest who win, rather it’s the hard workers that do. If you are so focused on achieving your goals, work hard and smart,o matter the situation you have a greater chance of winning.

Discipline

How many times have you started a project but left it before completely executing the plan? If we are being honest with ourselves, most would admit to having done this more than a couple of times. Being motivated is important, but without discipline, the chances of reaching the end goal are slim. This is why Waldschmidt emphasizes that discipline is one of the most essential attributes of a successful entrepreneur. For example, many people fall short by ending a project before it starts working, and others don’t even start because they have no evidence it’s the right thing.

Above all, you need to be disciplined to withstand all and succeed. During hard times like we are facing today, discipline is what will help you survive even if the future is unsure. No-one is ever ready for a tragedy, but if and when it hits, your discipline and finesse are what will get your business through the challenging times.

Giving Value

For one to stay relevant to a company even in desperate times, they must bring value to the table. According to Waldschmidt, you must find a way to contribute so much value to a team until you become indispensable. In other words, you need to make sure you establish yourself in a way that no one else can do the same, and you will stand out. By being perceived as a crucial asset to the team, your value will make a name for yourself, and your reputation will follow. 

Being Human

Humans are the most crucial component of a successful business. They have to be completely involved in a business to thrive. Many companies or firms fail because there are either no humans involved or if there are, they are not allowed to truly be humans. People need to be allowed to express their humanness for them to produce positive and lasting results. Employers need to allow their workers to be themselves, and employees need to make a mark for themselves by being authentic. Moreover, it is vital to remember and make peace with the fact that no human can work like a robot of some sort. 

When it comes to authenticity, acting what you are not will not take you far. At some point, you will have to drop the act and present your real self. Let people express their human nature and the results reflect productivity through creative thinking and personalization. Furthermore, when people are allowed to openly express themselves, they will feel more valued and will come through for the business in gratitude and effort, even during trying times.

Climbing Your Everest

Overall, it is important to note that Waldschmidt has not achieved all he has in the business world alone. Together with his Co CEO at EDGY, Jill Stelfox, they came together and achieved more than they could ever achieve individually. 

Clearly, by following these pieces of advice, such as working hard to exceed expectations, being self-disciplined, distinguishing yourself as valuable and indispensable, and allowing yourself to be yourself within your business ventures, there is no limit to what the ordinary person can achieve. By taking these steps, you will be one step closer to reaching the top of your own Everest, at a running pace toward greater success.