Marathon-Like Qualities You Must Have To Thrive in Business
In my teenage years (early secondary school days), I took part in a marathon and it was not a good experience. Don’t laugh at me if you have never taken part in one.
Few years ago, I witnessed the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope. In the beautiful city of Buea, at the foot of Mount Cameroon, the air is crisp, and the challenge is loud. Athletes from around the world gather yearly, each with their eyes on the finish line of one of the most demanding marathons on the planet.
Entrepreneurship, much like the difficult ascent and descent on Mount Cameroon, requires a blend of resilience, strategic thinking, and an unyielding commitment to the long haul. It’s a journey, a process, and, indeed, a marathon.
Resilience: The Heartbeat of Success
The first lesson from the marathon is resilience. Just as athletes face unpredictable weather, rough terrains, and physical exhaustion, entrepreneurs navigate market volatility, competitive pressures, and personal doubts. Success often hangs on the thread of one’s ability to persevere through adversities, to rise after each fall, and to view every setback as a setup for a comeback.
Strategic Thinking: Mapping the Route
Strategic thinking is what separates a seasoned marathoner from a new runner. It involves knowing when to conserve energy and when to push the limits. Similarly, in entrepreneurship, strategic planning, understanding market dynamics, and anticipating future trends are pivotal. Decisions on resource allocation, market entry, and product development must be made with foresight and precision, always keeping the end goal in sight.
Commitment: The Marathon Mindset
Commitment in a marathon means pushing forward, mile after mile, with the finish line as your ultimate goal. In the world of business, this translates to a relentless pursuit of your vision, regardless of the obstacles. It’s about staying true to your mission, constantly learning, and adapting. This marathon mindset ensures that even when the path becomes steep or the pace seems unsustainable, your resolve doesn’t waver.
The Journey of Learning and Growth
Finally, both marathons and entrepreneurship are journeys of learning and growth. Each step taken, whether in running shoes or in business decisions, is an opportunity to learn more about yourself, your team, and the landscape you’re navigating. It’s a process that shapes you, helping you to become more resilient, strategic, and committed.
In essence, the journey of entrepreneurship mirrors the marathon in Buea (Mount Cameroon Race of Hope) — it’s challenging, exhilarating, and profoundly transformative.
To those embarking on this journey, remember: success is not just about crossing the finish line first but about the courage to start and the determination to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Cheers
Dr. Joybert Javnyuy
