The “marathon wall” is a phenomenon marathon runners dread during a race. It typically hits around the 20-mile mark.
The wall represents a point in the race where runners feel a significant depletion of energy and encounter a range of physical and mental challenges. This can include feelings of extreme fatigue, muscle cramps, mental exhaustion, and a sense that continuing the race is no longer possible. For the untrained runner, the wall can be enormously challenging to overcome!
I won’t mince words – hitting the wall sucks.
Runners can, however, learn how to work through the wall. They can climb through, persevere, get that last burst of energy, and finish strong. And I think these lessons I’ve learned as a long-distance runner also speak to the entrepreneur experience! Entrepreneurs face their own wall. Here’s how we can take a page from the runner’s book and build better businesses.
What is the Entrepreneur’s Wall?
The entrepreneur’s wall isn’t as predictable, but it’s no less real. This is the moment the spell breaks – when being your own boss suddenly doesn’t look as good as it used to. You might be dreaming of greener pastures, feeling regret, or wishing for something more lucrative and exciting. Maybe it’s burnout, stress you didn’t expect, or a rough patch for your venture.
Regardless, like runners, entrepreneurs need to know what to do when they hit this point.
Entrepreneurship Lessons from Long-Distance Running
Lesson #1 – Discipline
Runners know to expect the wall. Entrepreneurs should do likewise. When we understand that things aren’t going to be smooth sailing all the time, we can better prepare for rough patches. Recognize that your entrepreneurial dreams must account for hard days, days when you don’t want to do it anymore, and times when you’d rather do anything else. If runners only ran when they felt like it, we’d never reach our full potential! The same can be said of business owners. You need discipline to push through when your heart isn’t in it.
Lesson #2 – Keep Your Eye on the Prize
Most entrepreneurs know that getting to a secure, comfortable place in a new venture takes time and enormous dedication. Over time, we can get bogged down, unable to see the forest for the trees. Many runners make it through rough patches by visualizing crossing the finish line. They have a very clear, very specific goal in mind. You should have one, too! Where do you want to be? How will you get there? How will success make you feel? Concentrate on what’s waiting for you at the finish line.
Lesson #3 – Take Care of Yourself
Marathoners often make it through the wall with the lesson of one timeless fable: slow and steady wins the race. Runners pace themselves because they know that pushing too hard might get short-term results but can also lead to self-sabotage. They know they need to stretch and rest. They listen to their bodies to avoid injury.
Entrepreneurs, follow suit! You don’t do your business any good if you burn out. Set boundaries, take vacations, and practice things that rejuvenate mind and body. You can’t expect to finish the race well if you’re run ragged.
Lesson #4 – Do Things Right the First Time
Endurance runners must practice good form. We need the right shoes, proper fuel, hydration, and to do things right. Ignoring these steps risks injury. Similarly, there are no shortcuts in entrepreneurship. You can’t cheap out, you can’t skip steps, and you can’t neglect the important stuff. When you keep things organized, focused, and above reproach, your business only stands to benefit.
Lesson #5 – Remain Realistic
No one spontaneously decides, “I’m going to run a marathon today.” Even experienced runners understand the value of training, building up, consistency, and dedication to the goal. Entrepreneurs must be realistic about how this is all going to go. It won’t be an overnight success. It won’t be easy. It will demand more of you than you want to give. Runners recognize their limitations and use diligent training regimens to expand their upper limits. Entrepreneurs must do the same – go into business with a realistic plan, an honest assessment of your skills and capacity, and develop strategies to get you where you want to be!
What lessons have you learned in one area of life that translated well to another? Share your experiences in the comments.