How Operating a Small Business Mirrors the Challenges of a Marathon

I’ve never been much of a runner, but I really admire the dedication it takes. It’s all about willpower and self-determination. No one else can push you; the drive has to come from within.

Running a small business isn’t all that different. It’s about working towards a distant goal, willing to endure the challenges to get there.

Let’s break it down further. Think about it: you don’t go from being a couch potato to running long distances overnight. You need to gradually ramp up your training, increase your cardio, and improve your diet. The same goes for starting a small business. You need a plan, understanding each step, and building up your capacity. Maybe you start off balancing it with a full-time job, eventually committing more as you grow.

And just like running, you need trial runs to know if you’re ready. You might think you’re set for a marathon after a half, but you won’t know until you try. Similarly, you can’t be sure you’re ready to take your business full-time until you give it a go.

What To Do: Make an action plan before taking any big steps. Break it into manageable parts and make sure each step is complete before moving forward.

If you’re feeling confident after some prep, it’s tempting to jump in headfirst. But going too fast can lead you to burnout or financial trouble. Early successes might push you to invest heavily, but if things don’t pan out, you could run out of funds and face serious issues. The key is to progress steadily and consistently.

What To Do: Work hard, stay committed, but be flexible. Build momentum gradually and slow down when needed to avoid burnout.

Running a marathon means staying hydrated without carrying heavy bottles. That’s why water stations along the route are so crucial. Similarly, in business, you need support. Friends can lift your spirits, mentors can offer advice, and peers can share ideas.

You can try to go it alone, but it’s much tougher. Utilize available resources; there’s no extra credit for doing it the hard way.

What To Do: Take all the help you can get. Listen to business podcasts for tips and ask questions when you need advice.

Every marathon runner has their own style. Some sprint then walk, others maintain a steady pace, and some power through then slow down. The goal is just to finish.

Your business journey might start slow, but that’s okay. Whether it takes you months or years, reaching your goal is what counts.

What To Do: Stay focused even if you feel behind. It takes time to achieve success, and it’s never too late to start.

Starting a marathon doesn’t require an entry fee or a certain speed—if you can walk and are determined, you can participate. Similarly, starting a business today is more accessible than ever with online tools, automation, and resources. Costs are lower thanks to ecommerce, crowdfunding, and user-friendly tech.

What To Do: Just get started. Use tools to handle complex tasks—design a logo, build a website, secure investment—and keep moving forward.

Many people hesitate to start a business because they know it’s tough and exhausting. But just like finding smarter ways to run, you can find smarter ways to work. If you’ve been holding back from starting your business, don’t wait any longer. Now is the perfect time to begin, even if you’re not ready to go full speed yet.