Competing on Purpose with Rich Jones

Latest Episodes:

The Problem with "You Should Be Happy." Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

People usually mean it kindly. But sometimes those four words ask you to ignore what you know about what you're capable of. In this episode, Rich opens his World Masters Championships notebook — a long jump that missed the final, a triple jump final where the goal was met but the execution wasn't — and names the tension every competitor knows: the outcome was worth celebrating, and the performance wasn't good enough. Both things are true. This isn't really an episode about track. It's about the two scoreboards we all live with: the one that measures what happened, and the one that measures what we're capable of.

Are You Competing or Score Settling? Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Are you chasing your current goals out of present purpose, or are you secretly trying to avenge a ghost from years ago? Rich breaks down the trap of "score settling" in athletics and career leadership, and reveals why letting go of past validation is the ultimate key to peak performance.

The Story I Never Finished Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

And the beginning of a new era.

Is this slowing you down? Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

What do a 30-minute email, a messy office, and a Q1 check-in have in common?

The same pattern.

And it's been showing up everywhere. This episode is about finally seeing it and what I'm doing in Q2 to address it.

When Effort Doesn't Equal Output Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

Rich had a frustrating long jump competition at his fifth U.S. Indoor Masters Track & Field Championships, but it led to a surprising insight about why all his hard work wasn't showing up when it counted. The lesson goes way beyond track.

Visit tmwshow.com for more.

Navigating Life's Trade-offs Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Rich discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding new job, athletic pursuits, and content creation. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to new realities, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing rest and self-care. Rich shares insights on navigating trade-offs and making adjustments to routines to align with his current season of life, ultimately embracing a purpose-driven approach to high performance.

Visit tmwshow.com for more.

The Job Search Journey Dec 17, 2025

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In this episode, Rich reflects on his four-month hiatus from podcasting and shares insights from his recent job search journey. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a dry spell in interviews, and ultimately celebrates finding a new role. Rich emphasizes the importance of resilience and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with job searching, while also acknowledging the support he received during this time.

Visit findmorebalance.com to learn more.

This is what the work was for. Aug 19, 2025

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Rich reflects on five years of sobriety and his personal healing journey, realizing that all the hard work was preparing him for this exact moment. In this raw, unscripted episode, he shares how his personal growth has become the anchor he needs to navigate a sudden family health crisis. It's a powerful look at how the work we do on ourselves equips us for the challenges we can't see coming.

Part 2: Keep doing the work anyway. Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, even when you're doing your best. In this follow-up episode, Rich discusses how recent experiences – from athletic injuries to confronting some challenging health realities – have reinforced his core message: "Keep Doing the Work Anyway." Explore Rich's evolving strategies for managing unexpected health information, making sustainable lifestyle changes, and maintaining a high-performance mindset through it all.

Follow Rich on IG and Threads @richrunstrack.

Keep doing the work anyway. May 07, 2025

Show notes

This belated Q1 recap from Rich explores what happens after you've put in the effort but don't hit the mark. From the track to personal healing, learn why acknowledging disappointment is key, but why you must always "keep doing the work anyway" for future breakthroughs. Plus, a quick update on the show's schedule.

Follow Rich on IG and Threads: @RichRunsTrack