06 - This is What Running a Marathon and Running a Business Have in Common
Running a marathon and succeeding in business both require resilience. At mile one, confidence is high. By mile twenty, every step is a choice. The real victory isn’t just finishing—it’s proving you can push through. Learn how to build the mindset that separates top performers from the rest.
This is What Running a Marathon and Running a Business Have in Common
Running a marathon is a test of endurance, but it’s not just physical—it’s mental. The same applies to building and leading a business. Both journeys start with enthusiasm, meet resistance along the way, and ultimately demand resilience to reach the finish line.
The Three Key Stages of the Journey
1. Mile 1: The Excitement Phase
At the start, energy is high. Enthusiasm fuels every step. Entrepreneurs feel the same rush when launching a new business—big visions, ambitious goals, and a surge of motivation. Everything seems possible.
2. Mile 10: The Reality Check
By mile ten, fatigue starts setting in. The excitement fades, and challenges emerge. In business, this is the stage where setbacks occur—unexpected market shifts, financial struggles, operational roadblocks. Doubt can creep in, making you question if you can really sustain the pace.
3. Mile 20: The Breaking Point
This is where resilience is tested. Every step becomes a choice: push forward or stop. In business, this is when leadership is truly defined. The most successful leaders don’t avoid struggle; they lean into it. They understand that adversity isn’t a sign to quit—it’s the proof that they’re growing.
The Real Victory: Pushing Forward BECAUSE of the Struggle
Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship. It’s about embracing it as part of the journey. The best business leaders and entrepreneurs recognize that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re checkpoints. They don’t succeed despite the struggle; they succeed because of it.
The key takeaway? Whether you’re running a marathon or leading a business, the real finish line isn’t just about crossing it—it’s about proving to yourself that you can.
Listen to the full episode now to transform the way you approach challenges in business and in life.
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction: The Marathon of Business
00:13 The Early Miles: Feeling Strong
00:16 Mid-Race Doubts: Overcoming Challenges
00:19 The Final Stretch: Decisions and Determination
00:25 Corporate Success: The Resilience Factor
00:37 The True Victory: Pushing Through Struggles
Links:
Website: https://www.jimperona.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimperonaofficial/
Transcript:
Running a marathon and thriving in business have one thing in common. Resilience At Mile one, you feel strong. At Mile 10, doubt can creep in. By mile 20, every step becomes a decision. Push forward or give up. Success in corporate America works the same way. Challenges will hit, fatigue will set in, and that finish line might feel far out of reach.
But resilience isn't about never struggling. It's about pushing forward because of the struggle, the real victory. It's not just crossing the finish line, it's proving to yourself that you can.