Running a marathon and running a business are completely different things, but the journey to entrepreneurship follows a similar path.
Did you know that marathoners and half-marathoners still make up less than 1 percent of the American population? Well, according to The Kauffman Foundation, which tracks entrepreneurial activity, only 0.33% of the U.S. population starts a business.
If you ask me, both seem pretty hard to cross off your list and complete.
In this article, you’ll learn how adopting some of the physical, mental and emotional traits of a runner can make you a stronger entrepreneur.
Here are 10 ways running can better prepare you as you launch your own business.
1. Know Your Why
Some runners run for medals, weight loss, travel or for carbs.
The same goes for launching a business. Everyone has a different “Why?” and it’s important for you to be crystal clear on your purpose, audience and vision.
This clarity and personal “Why?” helps you stay on track over the long run.
2. Consistency Pays Off
You won’t see results overnight, but consistent effort will get you results.
Launching and running a sustainable business means making small strides every day that leads to major gains over the long run.
Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to growing your business strategically.
3. Follow Your Own Path
Show up and be who you are. Own it. Don’t get derailed in trying to follow someone’s else vision and goals.
Copycats are out there, but no one can copy your work ethic, passion, unique experiences or vision.
4. Community is Important
You need a group of advocates who understand what you’re going through. Having a community that supports you along the way in your journey is key.
You need to surround yourself with people you can share common experiences, tips and ideas with and mutually support each other along the way.
The road to entrepreneurship can feel pretty lonely sometimes, but if you surround yourself with the right group of people, it can help boost your confidence, keep you on track and help you maintain momentum.
5. Avoid Comparisons
Don’t sabotage your efforts by comparing your personal victories to someone else’s (i.e. your pace vs someone else’s pace).
Everyone’s plan, strategy, and journey looks different. Stick to an approach that feels right for you.
6.Effective Rituals, Systems and Workflows
Training for a marathon is no joke and requires serious commitment and daily action. The same goes for launching and running a sustainable business.
To make it work, it’s helpful to break up your weekly actions into “themes” to make your workflow manageable and easier to execute on.
For example, you could dedicate Mondays for meetings, Tuesdays for tracking expenses, Wednesdays could be dedicated to modifying your website and so on.
Effective tools, rituals and daily habits help you stay focused and on track. Remember: The best plan is the plan you can stick to.
7. Rest is Essential
Avoid burnout at all costs. You can’t be of service if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Recovery is essential for an athlete and an entrepreneur. Self-care can come in a variety of ways including rest, proper nutrition and nurturing relationships.
8. Mindset is Everything
Ever heard of imposter syndrome? Feeling like you’re a fake and not worthy of what you want to accomplish?
Running is a mental sport and can help train your mind to quiet your inner critic and work through internal barriers getting in the way of your personal success.
9. Stick to a Plan
Training for a marathon requires a plan. It’s challenging and will make you question yourself along the way.
Create a business plan that is tailored for your audience, product or service, and helps you reach your goals.
10. Being Uncomfortable Becomes the Norm
Growing, learning and challenging yourself is uncomfortable. Running a marathon pushes you beyond your mental and physical limits and so will launching and running a business.
Learn to feel comfortable with this feeling and you’ll continue to grow and evolve and find your rhythm (a.k.a. “pace”).
You won’t see major results by staying in your comfort zone.
What kind of sport of hobby has helped prepare you for your entrepreneurial journey?
