Introducing Josh Strahorn
Josh Strahorn
A note from Kerrie Phipps – Josh is inspirational and amazing – He’s inspired so many people in the sporting community, and others, like me, who haven’t been called “sporty” but have taken up running since – and inspired to aim higher in other pursuits. Josh shares insights from his running and triathlon achievements which are powerful and relevant in sports, life and business. Enjoy!
The icing on Dubbo athlete Josh Strahorn‘s 27th birthday cake was raising enough cash to help Kenyan kids. Josh, a local landscaper, embarked on a 400 km run from Wagga Wagga to Dubbo, beginning the epic journey on his birthday in September 2011. With the attitude “little bits add up to big bits and then it all gets done” Josh put in a huge effort to get it done. Running over 60 km’s a day, Josh completed the challenge and raised over $20,000 for Compassion Australia to build toilet blocks in the Kenyan community of Giriami, where Josh’s long-time sponsor child lives. Josh’s two passions, running and making a difference formed the driving force behind Josh’s endeavour.
1. How did you move from dreamer to achiever?
Just do it! Have the guts to go out and do something that people think you can’t do. Get a vision, put a strategy in place and execute it. If you think about too much you will talk yourself out of it. Make the most of every single opportunity presented to you.
2. What was your biggest sacrifice in getting the business up and running?
My time. It takes discipline to go to bed early on a weekend evening in order to get up early to run 80kms. I needed to be strict with my diet, no sugar during training! My challenge took a physical toll on my body. Injuries lurk around trying to deter you from achieving your goal. You need to be mentally and physically fit.
Josh on the run.
3. What do you believe are the essential qualities or attributes of a successful person?
Passion – Passion gives you drive and if you don’t have drive it would be hard to go anywhere. Mental Strength – Never give up! Endurance sport is 90% mental; it’s what’s above the shoulders that matter. Don’t give in to that voice that tells you, you CAN’T! Discipline – Anyone can do what I did. I don’t have any more talent than anyone else; I just know how to work hard.
4. How has your business been impacted by learning from your sport?
It’s important for me to set myself goals to measure my performance. This has relevance to my landscaping business where I must constantly assess my work load against variables such as the weather and the fluctuation in the economic cycle. Both landscaping and endurance running require discipline and stamina.
5. How has the increasing success of your business impacted your personal/family life?
It has encouraged me to dream big and boldly. I want others to do so too. Don’t focus on what you can’t do but what you CAN do. Everyone has dreams, don’t be afraid to grab a hold of them.
Contact details:
Josh Strahorn
Landscaper and Athlete
c/o PO Box 172
Dubbo NSW 2830
www.facebook.com/joshua.strahorn
