Meet Tijana Spirovska: Java Developer & Medal-Winning Runner Driving Success at Work
In the IT industry, we often talk about technology, innovation, and agile ways of working. But sometimes, the biggest lessons for success come from outside the office – from the running track.
Our colleague, Tijana Spirovska, a successful Technical Consultant in Java Practice and passionate runner, shows how discipline, perseverance, and focus from sports can directly translate into professional growth and business success.
How It All Began – First Steps Toward Big Goals
Her running journey started six years ago, when a friend encouraged her to try a 5K race. The thrill of crossing that first finish line inspired Tijana to aim higher, and the very next year she completed her first half marathon.
Since then, running has become more than just a hobby – it’s a lifestyle that brought her to numerous races across the region. Some of her proudest achievements came within a six-week period, when she secured three consecutive second-place finishes: a trail race on Vodno Mountain, the Ohrid Half Marathon Relay, and the Pelister Trail Race.
Among all the competitions, one race stands out as her favorite: the Babin Zab Trail, part of the Pelister Unique Trail Marathon event. With no expectations, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery – and on her birthday – she enjoyed every step of the course and celebrated the day with another second-place finish.
Discipline & Perseverance – The Common Ground Between Sports and IT
Lessons From Running Applied at Work
Running has taught me discipline, perseverance, and time management. It helps me stay focused on long-term goals and not give up when challenges appear.
In IT projects, just like in sports, success doesn’t come overnight. It takes consistency and the ability to endure tough moments. She recalls her biggest challenge – preparing for a marathon with only two months of training. “Running a marathon had been my dream for a long time. Even though I had little time, once I committed, I was fully focused on making it happen. That mindset carried me through to the finish line.”
The same mindset applies in software development: sometimes deadlines are tight, sometimes resources are limited, but determination, consistency, and belief in the process make all the difference.
Race Day = Delivery Day
Preparing for a major project has much in common with preparing for a race: weeks of training and planning, moments of stress and adrenaline as the deadline approaches – and finally, the joy of crossing the finish line when the project is delivered successfully.
Tijana compares perseverance in running with perseverance in problem-solving: “In running, you push through fatigue to reach the finish line. In IT, you push through bugs, failed builds, and setbacks until you find the solution. Both require patience, determination, and the confidence that your effort will pay off.”
And just like a recovery run after a hard training session, running itself helps her handle stressful workdays: “It clears my mind, helps me release tension, and allows me to come back with better focus, more energy, and a positive mindset.”
Balance and Wellbeing – The Key to Productivity
Running is not just a physical challenge; it’s mental hygiene. After a demanding day, it helps to reset the mind, release stress, and return with fresh energy to tackle complex problems. For her, training sessions are not just about endurance – they are a form of meditation in motion, a way to recharge mentally and emotionally.
In the IT industry, where constant problem-solving and tight deadlines can drain creativity, this balance is crucial. Hobbies like running play a major role in employee wellbeing and ultimately lead to higher productivity, resilience, and innovation.
The Power of Community and Inspiration for Colleagues
Sports also bring something more – connection. Tijana explains: “Sports have taught me discipline, resilience, and how to work well with others, which naturally strengthens my relationships with colleagues.” Conversations about training and races often lead to friendly exchanges and mutual respect, creating a more collaborative work environment.
Her colleagues don’t just admire her achievements – they actively support her. Many follow her races, sending encouraging messages before and after events, cheering her on, and celebrating her results. That kind of support, she says, motivates her to give her very best on race day.
Even more inspiring is the fact that her dedication has encouraged others to get moving too. Some teammates have joined her for runs, while others took their first steps toward regular gym sessions or daily walks, inspired by her story and commitment.
A Message for Those Who Want to Start
“You don’t need a lot of time to begin. Start small, but be consistent. Over time, you’ll feel the physical and mental benefits and realize it’s the best investment in yourself.”
When asked how she stays motivated during the toughest moments, Tijana shares: “I focus on the goal and remember why I started. Every effort, even the hardest one, builds progress. For projects at work, I break tasks into smaller milestones and celebrate each step forward. It’s the same mindset – keep going, stay positive, and visualize the sense of accomplishment at the finish line.”
Her journey is a reminder that perseverance, balance, and support from others can help us achieve more than we imagine – whether it’s on the track, at work, or in life.
Looking Ahead – Goals on the Track and in Business
Just as in her career, Tijana always sets new goals in running: a faster half marathon, a stronger marathon performance, and pushing her own limits to see how far she can go.
Running and IT may seem like two very different worlds, but both follow the same philosophy: discipline, perseverance, and teamwork are what lead to success.
