Community

Community

Clay Pender
|
February 28, 2025

Community is the foundation of any successful team, and therefore one of the twelve foundations of Conscious Wealth. Community fosters connection, trust, and belonging, turning a group of individuals into a cohesive unit. When we feel part of a community, we’re more willing to invest ourselves fully, knowing we are surrounded by people who care about our contributions and well-being.

As a runner, I can run by myself but it is much easier for me to run fast when there are others around me pushing me. My teammates help me stay at the right pace and remind me of the common goal that we are working toward – making an Olympic or World Championship team to represent our country. We all want to be the best but along the way, we can work together to reach our goals.

Community isn’t built overnight; it’s cultivated through consistent effort. When I joined Atlanta Track Club Elite in September 2023, I was thrown into a group of strangers. Over the last year and a half, I have been to three month-long training camps and 15+ flights and races where trust and community have been built day by day.

All my teammates have a different “why” for running at the highest level. Having a purpose gives meaning to what we do. My “why” is for the people in my corner who have sacrificed for me over my lifetime. I want to use every bit of my talent, so I don’t look back and wonder “what if” when I am older. As a team, we all know each other’s “why” because that helps us push each other. Our team’s mission is to be the best middle-distance training group in the world in 2026. It takes our entire community of trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors, masseuses, coaches, staff, and teammates to achieve this goal, so we all must be on the same page and bring out the best in each other to make it happen.

In a community, when one person succeeds, the entire team benefits. It reinforces the idea that individual victories are not isolated but interconnected which ignites a sense of passion and commitment that drives extraordinary results. Whatever the vision, when purpose serves as the north star, it will guide you through adversity and keep everyone focused on what truly matters.

At the heart of every high-performing team is accountability to the community. It’s the glue that holds commitments together and ensures that each member shows up fully for the team and its goals. If I can’t depend on my teammate to hit the assigned pace in practice, how can I depend on him to execute our race strategy? If I run too fast or slow during an interval in practice, I must own it. We understand that constructively calling each other out isn’t criticism, it’s accountability. When we challenge one another to stay aligned with shared values and objectives, it creates a culture of excellence that inspires everyone to do their best work.

In a community, you’re not just working toward a goal; you’re growing as a person. You’re learning to see beyond yourself, to contribute to something greater, and to leave a positive impact on those around you. When done right, being part of a community becomes a journey of shared success, fulfillment, and meaningful connection.

Clay Pender

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