Structure is the factor that keeps you aligned with your purpose and provides you with a framework for performing at your best. It keeps you focused and moving forward so you never lose sight of your goal.

Structure requires repetition so that, over time, everything becomes automated, and you can devote more of your time to focusing on the things you want to pursue. We often witness grace, poise, and an overall sense of ease of action in individuals but may not take a moment to recognize the underlying reason: practice makes perfect. Structure creates effortlessness.

Similarly, a Corporate Athlete’s success depends on and is the direct result of repetitive practice within a structured routine. The ease in the way you lead is due to the countless hours you have methodically invested in yourself, your skills, and your objectives.

However, you must occasionally challenge your structure by disrupting your routine. This will keep things from becoming too rote. I like to refer to this as “conscious disruption,” an interruption in the daily structure that could be the catalyst for many new and inspirational ideas. After all, a solid routine is wonderful 99 percent of the time, but you still need to make some room for discovery and invention.

Photography by: Florian Schmetz