From Road Running to Trail Running
I started running twenty years ago. After a few years, I discovered trails and eventually switched from mostly running roads to mostly running trails today. Early on I realized trail running was harder but also more rewarding in many ways. The lessons I’ve learned over all these years are great analogies for business building.
Starting and growing a business is like switching from road running to trail running. At first, you might think the trail will be just as smooth as the road, a straightforward path to success. But soon, you realize that the trail is full of challenges—uneven terrain, steep hills, rocks, and roots…and face plants!
The Unexpected Terrain
When you first step onto the trail, it becomes clear that you have to pick up your feet more deliberately. This is much like discovering the many roles you must take on as a business owner. On the road, you can run with a steady rhythm, but on the trail, you have to watch your step, adapt, and stay alert. The rocks and roots are like the unexpected challenges in business that can trip you up if you’re not careful. Whether it’s managing finances, marketing your product, or handling customer service, each task requires your attention and effort.
The Physical Demands
Running on a trail is more exhausting than running on a smooth road. Similarly, growing a business demands more time and energy than you might have anticipated. The long hours, the constant decision-making, and the endless learning curve can wear you out. Yet, just as your legs grow stronger with each trail run, your skills as a business owner develop with every new challenge.
The Rewarding Journey
Trail running, despite being harder, has its unique rewards. The peace and quiet of the trail, the sense of freedom, and the satisfaction of conquering tough terrain are unparalleled. This mirrors the joys of owning your business. You get to set your path, enjoy the fruits of your hard work, and create something unique and valuable.
Over time, you might fall in love with the trail running experience. You find joy in the solitude, the effort, and the achievements. Owning a business can be just as fulfilling. The challenges become part of the adventure, and the rewards of seeing your business grow are deeply satisfying.
Choosing Your Path
However, not everyone who tries trail running sticks with it. Some realize they prefer the predictability and ease of road running. The road is smoother, easier to navigate, and closer to home. Similarly, some business owners decide that they miss the stability and comfort of a regular job, with set hours and less responsibility.
Finding Inspiration
For those who choose to stick with the trail, both in running and in business, the journey is full of growth and discovery. It’s about finding your rhythm amidst the chaos and learning to appreciate the path less traveled. As you push through the tough times, remember the words of Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Embrace the Challenge
So, whether you are starting your business or in the thick of growing it, embrace the journey. Understand that the trail will be rough, but it’s in navigating the rocks and roots that you build resilience. Appreciate the ups and downs, for they shape your path and define your success.
In the end, it’s about finding what brings you joy. Whether you choose the trail or the road, make sure it aligns with your passion and goals. The trail might be harder, but for many, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. If you decide to stick with it, you’ll discover a sense of freedom, accomplishment, and purpose that is unmatched.
So lace up your shoes, pick up your feet, and get ready to run the trail of business ownership. The journey might be tough, but the view from the top is worth every step.
If you are looking to start on a new path or having troubling navigating the trail you are on, give Coach Ernie a call today!
