Ultra-adventure runner Kim van Kets is one-of-a-kind.
Very few people have circumvented SA under their own steam.
Her recent adventure trip included running along the coast from East London, all the way to Swaziland’s border, cycling SA’s inland borders, and kayaked much of the Orange River, before ending on the west coast.
She then embarked on a run back to East London.
She covered a minimum of 42km a day on foot, 100km a day on the bike and 50km a day in the boat.
Van Kets believes staying motivated on the 148-day journey, was similar to countering any job loss situation, or embarking on a search for a new career.
However, motivation is an art that needs constant work.
“I know this may sound odd to some, but I really, really, love running. Sometimes I look at my watch, and realise I’ve been running for 10 hours and it feels like 10 minutes,” Van Kets said. Van Kets appreciates adversity. She also empathises with people who are looking for the right job, whether because of being forced out of work, or pursuing an elusive dream.
Without passion for work many people live for Friday, hate Sundays and dread Monday mornings as they trudge back to their jobs, she said.
The quest for a new career and running around SA do have parallels, said Van Kets, who insists, “there is nothing extraordinary about me”.
My rules are simple: “Do not stop, stick to the schedule, and never give up.”
“Achieving a unique dream, and this applies to the perfect job, is within everyone’s grasp. It is not something reserved for the chosen few,” she said.
Van Kets has a few tips to stay in the hunt for a fresh career.
“Focus on the good stuff, have an attitude of gratitude. You get a shot of serotonin every time you think grateful thoughts, and a double shot when we express them.
“Accept that there will be pain, monotony and frustration, and probably fear of the unknown.
“While it might be necessary to dream of your perfect career, it is essential to turn the dream into a measurable goal, with stepping-stones on the way.
“Despite a plethora of rejections do not get overwhelmed, immobilised, by the task of landing the perfect career. Believe that persistence will pay off.
“Take care of the detail, the little things that will eventually add up and create the solution. Develop good habits and routines during the upbeat times, and they will buoy you when the going gets tough.”..