What Does ‘Hit the Ground Running’ Mean?

For those new to the job market, you may come across the phrase “hit the ground running” on job postings, or hear your boss say it in the office. But what does it really mean?

To “hit the ground running” means to jump into a task or project head-first and with enthusiasm. It implies that you can get up to speed quickly and begin taking action right away. It’s a term used to describe someone who is eager to get started on a job, has a can-do attitude, and doesn’t need extra instruction.

As an example, imagine you just got hired by a company to be a project manager. When the hiring manager is giving you your job responsibilities, they say they expect you to “hit the ground running” – this means they assume you’ll already know what to do, and will jump right into the task without needing to be told exactly what to do every step of the way.

Having the ability to hit the ground running is an excellent trait to demonstrate in the workplace, as it shows initiative and a willingness to learn. It’s especially important in jobs that involve problem-solving and independent project management responsibilities. You can show this trait by starting tasks early or finding creative ways to approach projects.

So if you ever find yourself in a situation where someone mentions the phrase “hit the ground running,” remember that it means to jump into a task or project head-first and with enthusiasm. Showing that you can get up to speed quickly, and demonstrate a can-do attitude, can be beneficial in any job.