How business is like running a half marathon

In business, we run races every week. Every deadline, every project and every lead are opportunities to measure ourselves against our competition and get the job done.

In a business setting, you must win. Second place, while not a bad thing in most foot races, doesn’t get you a whole bunch. Here are some similarities between my half marathon (I ran with my dad) ((I ran poorly)) and business situations:

1. Those that prepare/train the hardest, usually win
-My dad stuck to a training plan and seldom missed a day. I haphazardly ran when I could.
In business terms, he had a goal and the strategy and tactics to get there. I just had a goal.

2. Don’t rely on unproven or new tech
-Oh, how I wanted to run 13.1 miles in Vibrams. Try as I might, acclimating to new shoes and an entirely new running style just wasn’t possible given the time I had. My dad ran in proven Nikes.
In business, many new products have steep learning curves. Businesses don’t have the time and money to fail with new tech in the short term. I treated the Vibrams like new tech and had to switch back to my old shoes far too late in the game to recover.

3. Want it more
-He’s 60 and this was his first race. I’m 30 and this was my second. He had a ton more to prove than I did. All I wanted was to survive. I got complacent and nearly took it for granted. He went the extra mile (well, the faster mile) and got it done.
In business sales, that’s making one more phone call, one more client meeting and adding a bit more than the requirements state.

4. Be willing to sacrifice
-I had grand plans to change my diet, stay healthy and stick to a schedule. Although I gave up drinking, that wasn’t exactly because of the race. My dad stuck to healthy foods, cut out most carbs and showed up to the race nearly 35 lbs lighter than me.
In business terms, my dad streamlined. He didn’t do anything for show, but for necessity. Every action had a purpose, while I flitted around from idea to idea.

5. Don’t pay much attention to what’s happening around you
-I can tell you about every band, every water station and nearly every banner on the course. My dad doesn’t remember much except for a big parking lot and a road.
In business, I spent too much time seeing what everyone else was doing. Sure, it’s great to stop and smell the flowers every once in a while, but not stick your face in them while you’re supposed to running by.

Sure, none of the above things are required to succeed in running or business, but they sure as hell help. I can learn from these mistakes and apply them the next time I have a business goal.

Or a foot race. Perhaps then I won’t finish 13 MINUTES BEHIND A MAN TWICE MY AGE.

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• Fast Company’s Influence Measure is a waste
• How to start a successful business
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