I love running. Years ago, when I created my list of “100 Lifetime Experiences,” I knew running had to be part of it.
So, I set out to run a marathon.
A full marathon is 26.2 miles. Running this distance is no small feat. You can’t sign up a month in advance and expect to compete.
If you’ve ever trained for a race, you know it takes planning, discipline, and commitment. All three of these lessons can be applied to business, whether you’re launching a new product or preparing for an exit.
Let me explain.
1. Plan How You’ll Get to the Finish Line
To be able to run 26.2 miles on race day, you need to build up to that mileage in the time frame you have. Most marathon training plans are 16-20 weeks long.
You have to know where you’re starting from and increase the mileage of your long run each week to get to the mileage you’ll need to feel comfortable on race day.
It’s no different in business. To reach an objective several months out, we need know “where are we going” and “what we need to do to get there” and “what my role is”. (Helping your people understand these three things is a great starting place for successful leadership.)
Ask yourself:
- What is the objective?
- Where are we starting from what needs to happen to reach the objective?
- What do I need to do and when to accommodate these tasks and factor in potential obstacles?
2. Remain Disciplined
Reaching your business goal requires discipline — self-control and habits that let you put in the work, even when you don’t want to.
You’re not going to feel like running every day. Especially after a tough week of work and travel, the last thing you want to do is roll out of bed on the weekend for your long run. And the closer you get to your race date, the longer the weekly time commitment.
I found podcasts and audiobooks to listen to during my long runs, and they helped me stay disciplined. By adjusting my mindset and taking a proactive approach to my habits, I ended up enjoying the experience.
In business and in marathon training, you can also build in accountability and a clear vision of the goal to help yourself (and your team) remain disciplined. The journey is hard work. Taking time to share learnings and talk through challenges keeps us focused and aligned.
3. Commit to Your Goal
Don’t get off course. Remember why you set out to do this in the first place. Keep your eye on your end goal, whether it’s reaching the finish line of a marathon or closing a business deal.
My planning and discipline during my marathon training resulted in an incredible race experience at the 2017 Bordeaux Marathon. I got to run through local vineyards and small towns throughout the region.
I connected with one of my fellow running mates along the way, and we helped each other finish the race strong.
The biggest reward for me wasn’t the time I ran the marathon in, but the experience of successfully training for and running it. The sense of accomplishment as I crossed the finish line.
In business, what makes achieving the objective rewarding? The learning that takes place. The way a team comes together to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Success breeds confidence for future success.
How do planning, discipline, and commitment come together in your own experience?
I’d love to hear about your races on the road and in business over on LinkedIn.
