Don't Just Hit the Ground Running! Walk and Build Relationships

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Hit the ground running.” There’s truth to that advice as momentum is important, and action is critical when pursuing goals. But I want to offer a different perspective. Instead of simply hitting the ground running, why not take the time to walk the ground and build meaningful relationships along the way? This approach may seem slower at first, but in reality, it often leads to far more sustainable success. As I enter this new role as AJA Chaplain, my plan is to walk the ground and build relationships. I aim to be as available and approachable as possible, of course, within my personal capacity. So, there you have it! I’m “showing you my hand” right out of the gate!

Allow me to further elaborate on this perspective. When you hit the ground running, your focus is usually on speed and results. You want to check off tasks, hit milestones, and prove yourself quickly. While that energy can be admirable, it can also create challenges. You might inadvertently stumble over others, step on toes, or risk offending someone simply because your zeal isn’t tempered by consideration. In your rush to accomplish your goals, you may overlook the value of the people around you as well as the people whose support, insight, and encouragement could actually accelerate your progress.

Walking the ground, however, allows you to build connections with intention. It gives you the time to notice who is around you, to understand their perspectives, and to earn their trust. Relationships aren’t built overnight, but they are cultivated through consistency, respect, and genuine care. When you invest in people, they often invest in you in return. This doesn’t just create goodwill; it lays a foundation that can carry you further than speed alone ever could.

Consider a workplace scenario: a new manager joins a team and immediately begins implementing changes, expecting quick results. The team feels rushed and overlooked, and although the manager’s intentions are good, morale suffers. Contrast that with a manager who takes the time to meet the team members individually, understand their strengths and challenges, and listen to their ideas before making decisions. That manager might move slower at first, but in the long run, the team is more engaged, loyal, and productive. The path to success becomes less about brute force and more about collaboration and trust.

A Lasting Legacy

Relationships act like a safety net when life or work gets challenging. They provide support, guidance, and sometimes even correction when we can’t see the blind spots in our own vision. When we rush without building these connections, we may find ourselves isolated, facing resistance, or encountering unnecessary obstacles. On the other hand, when we walk the ground and invest in others, those relationships can help us navigate difficulties with greater ease. They create a network of encouragement and accountability, making our journey toward our purpose stronger and more resilient.

Building relationships also requires humility. It requires recognizing that others have value, insight, and experience that you don’t. Walking the ground means asking questions, listening more than speaking, and giving credit where it’s due. It’s about recognizing that your journey is not solely your own, but it intersects with the lives of countless others who can shape, challenge, and support you along the way.

This principle is particularly important when pursuing leadership, mentorship, or any role where influence matters. Leaders who prioritize relationships over speed often leave a legacy that lasts. They cultivate trust, respect, and loyalty in ways that can’t be achieved by merely hitting the ground running. By walking alongside others, they not only achieve their goals, but they also inspire others to rise with them.

Personal Reflection

Now, let’s bring this principle into a personal reflection. Think about a time when you rushed toward a goal and, in doing so, overlooked or underestimated someone else. Maybe it was a colleague, a friend, or even a family member. Did your haste unintentionally offend them or create tension? How did it affect your progress? The lessons we learn from these experiences are invaluable. They remind us that speed without connection can sometimes lead to setbacks, while patience with people can open doors we didn’t even know existed.

Walking the ground also allows you to be more intentional about the kind of relationships you cultivate. Not every connection will serve your journey, and not every person will align with your purpose, but by slowing down, you give yourself the chance to discern who deserves your time, energy, and trust. These meaningful relationships become your allies, advisors, and sometimes even mentors, helping you navigate both triumphs and trials.

Ultimately, don’t just hit the ground running. Walk the ground, build relationships, and let those connections guide you toward your purpose. The path may seem longer at first, but it is richer, steadier, and more fulfilling. Success is not only about what you achieve but also about the people you uplift, the bridges you build, and the legacy you leave behind.

Question for Reflection

Have you ever offended someone because you overlooked or underestimated them? Why is it important to give honor where honor is due while simultaneously executing your goals? Take time today to reflect on the relationships in your life. Are there people you need to walk alongside, acknowledge, or support? The journey toward purpose is not just a sprint—it’s a path best traveled with care, humility, and connection.

Scripture Reference

1 Corinthians 12:14-20 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

Darren Bennett is a motivational speaker, minister, author of two Amazon Bestselling Books, and purpose coach. Darren served at the Broward Sheriff’s Office for a decade as a deputy and now as a full-time associate chaplain for the past five years. Darren has also served in full-time ministry at a prominent South Florida Church for over a decade. Drawing from decades of life and service experience, he inspires individuals to transform pain into purpose and embrace personal growth. Known for his authentic and compassionate approach, Darren empowers people to build resilience, prioritize spiritual as well as mental wellness, and live intentionally, using his own journey and service experience as a guiding example. For more information, he can be contacted at darren_bennett@sheriff.org