This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
I personally think running until your lungs feel like they are on fire, your legs no longer feel as though they belong to you, and you’re almost losing consciousness is insane. Yet, there is a unique group of people that wake up every single day looking at the horizon and deciding they’re going to run to it – and when they get there, run some more. Coincidentally or not, I’ve observed many of those same individuals have achieved or are well on their way to living their version of being successful. Which raised the question, what is the connection?
At first glance, it might seem like a matter of sheer physical endurance, but the deeper bond lies in mental fortitude, discipline, and a commitment to long-term goals. Running a marathon is no normal task: it is miles of self-doubt, fatigue, and a constant battle against the temptation to quit. It mirrors the journey of personal and professional success, where setbacks and challenges are inevitable.
Successful individuals possess a unique combination of patience and persistence. They understand that the road to success isn’t a sprint but a marathon itself. Two associates of mine came to mind: one is an insurance agent, and the other is in interior design. Two demanding jobs with little margin for error, so their level of focus, discipline, and mental fortitude in dealing with deadlines and clients has to be engraved into their lifestyle. They know success in their fields does not happen overnight and they have to endure and persevere through every challenge.
Marathon training requires dedication, strategic planning, and resilience, which translate into valuable traits in business or any pursuit of greatness. Studies have even shown that individuals who set and achieve fitness goals like marathons tend to transfer that same focus and discipline to other areas of their lives. They know the importance of setting incremental milestones, celebrating small victories, and pushing through when things get tough.
In the end, success is not just about reaching the finish line, it’s about the character you build along the way. Having the right mindset, discipline, and commitment, towards any goal, no matter how distant, can be achieved.
