Endurance Sports vs Success in Your Business
You may ask yourself, what in the world do endurance sports have to do with success in my business? Well, after you read my post you will understand why I make the comparison.
I am an endurance sports freak. That is why I have run the Comrades Marathon (55.6 miles) twice. I also do cycling, like the Cape Argus (65.6 miles) and many more races like that. If you are not a sports person, don’t worry, because my post will not be about endurance sports, but how to compare your business with endurance sports.
As you all know by now, my business partner Steve Vernon and I are working on the “gratitude” game as sort of our combined “opus to the word”. The other day when we were on one of our weekly Skype calls, it hit me between the eyes, and I said to Steve, ”Steve, we are busy running a Marathon race with our game!”, and after I explained what I meant, he totally agreed with me. So let me explain to you why you are running an endurance race with your business.
Let’s assume you have done all the preparations for the big event, such as the Comrades Marathon, and now you are standing and waiting for that big moment to start the race.
Start Of Comrades 
The gun goes off and there you go with thousands of people running along with you. It’s easy to start because you have not used a lot of energy yet.
Half way into the race people start to walk and some of them quit but, as the old song of Billy Joel says, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Now you are 12.5 miles from the end, and every muscle in your body wants to quit, and at that point your mind takes over and says to your body, “Don’t quit. You can if you think you can.” The next moment you open your eyes, and you are running towards the banner that says “THE END”, and that moment is something that no one can take away from you, and you can’t explain it to a person who has never done it before.
The same is true for any business, no matter if it is MLM, internet marketing or working with an idea that started as an “aha moment”. For me it was the aha moment once when I was walking over a bridge and started thinking about a board game that could help the world understanding life’s success principles. It was fun to put everything together and watch how it has grown in five years time to where it is today. At this very moment we are at the 12.5 mile point from the end, and we know we can do it, even if it feels at times as if all things work against us. The question is will you keep on keeping on when you are at the 12.5 mark from the end with your business and if it feel as if everything and everyone is against you?
I hope I have been able to give you some hope for success in your business. If you treat it like an endurance sport, your success will pay off in the end.
Enjoy my poem that I wrote for my readers, and if you can say YES to the last question, then I will know that you can.
It Is Easy
It is easy to start,
but it is not easy to finish
It is easy to set a goal,
but it is not easy to reach a goal.
It is easy to dream,
but not easy to make a dream come true.
It is easy to read,
but not easy to apply what you read.
It is easy to say I can,
But do you really believe that you can?
~Theuns Serfontein~
Thanks you for reading my blog, and thank you for your great comments that you have submitted about this post.
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I love that analogy and never thought of it that way as I am definitely not an endurance sports enthusiast, but I do understand the need for endurance and perseverance in business! And I love your inspirational quote at the end, is that yours? It is good may use it and give you credit!
Lynda Cromar would like you to read Why Using The Title of MLM Expert – Won’t Help You
Hi Lynda
Thx You are more than well come to use mt poem or what ever you love to use .
Regards
Theuns
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Hey Theuns, great post and I love your poem. Having a dream entails hard work and does not promise a straight road. So endure and persevere! Your dream is worth it! Thanks for sharing.
crescele would like you to read Are You In The Proverbial Dating Rut?
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Unparalleled accuracy, unequivocal calrity, and undeniable importance!
Thanks a lot. Very interesting article!
hello there I really like the blog you have establised here.
Hi There
I am glad you enjoy my blog
Make it a great day.
Regards
Theuns
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Hi Gendeng
I am glad you lie my Blof and Thanks for all your Great komments.
Regards
Theuns
The title of your blog: (Endurance Sports vs Success in Your Business) seemed intresting so thats how I ended up here!
hello there I really like the blog you have set up here.
Hi Theuns, yes, I agree that having your own business is a marathon not a sprint!
So many people (especially in Network marketing) give up just before the finish line, and quite often they don’t even look back to see what they missed out on.
Thanks for your great story about endurance and how it relates to building a business Theuns!
Regards from Julieanne
Julieanne van Zyl would like you to read Evolution of Relationship Marketing for Online Network Marketers
Hey Theuns,
Yes, I feel like I am in a marathon.
When you work for yourself, especially on the internet, you basically work to a plan with no idea what effect you are having until you are near the end of the race.
There is one difference. On line, you can’t watch your competitors physically.
Thanks for your insights. They will inspire many of us to keep going! Mind you, I am doing very well.It is just that I have a much larger vision.
John Gaydon would like you to read We Manifest A New Car
Big help, big help. And superlative news of crosue.
Thx Delpgia make it a great day
Hi John
Thanks for this great comment
I am so glad that you love my post, and i am
glad that I did give you some insight .
Regards
Theuns
GREAT REVIEW! I agree with pretty much all you said in your post, especially at the end of your article. Thank you, your post is very useful as always. Keep up the good work! You’ve got +1 more reader of your web blog:) Isabella S.
Hi There Isabella
I am glad you enjoy my post and thanks or spreading the word.
Regards
Theuns
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
Excellent analogy, Theuns!
The closest I have ever come to a marathon was the Oxfam walk in 1969. I walked 30 miles that day. I was not a walker at the time… the farthest I had walked before that was a couple of miles. Many times along the way I was tempted to quit, but I kept on going to the finish line. What a triumphant moment that was!! All the pain and anguish of muscle and joint were worth that glorious moment.
There have been a few times along the way that I have been tempted to give up in network marketing. But I KNOW the rewards that lie ahead of me, with many smaller rewards in between. I am not giving up!!
Willena
Willena Flewelling would like you to read Goal Setting Basics
Willena
I am glad to hear that you did walk one’s 30 miles, that is great
to experience that to know what it is to keep on going when the going get Thought , and i am glad that you do it in your business .
All the best
Regards
Theuns
Hi Theuns,
I have always taught that business is a marathon not a sprint… so your analogy has great resonance with me.
Excellent way of describing how we should treat our online business…. make a decision, stick with it… and find ways to make it work.
pete
pete chapman would like you to read Chiropractics Recommend Kangen Water For Wellness
Hi Peter
Thanks for stopping by , and I am glad that
you love what I post , and spreading the word.
Regards
Theuns
Hey Theuns,
I just had to read your title and I was smiling.
What a perfect analogy for Network Marketing. I have actually used the same analogy on my own blog a few times in the past year. I spent the day with my best friend, Mark when he ran the marathon in Toronto this past Sunday, (Oct 16th,) and I am very proud to say that he finished with a great personal best time.
The real magic in running a marathon or a business though is not the time that you cross the finish line. The magic is that you were one of the few who ever finished at all.
Congrats on your own marathon victories Theuns, that’s awesome.
Kevin
Kevin DeRoo would like you to read Insurance For Your Website or Blog!
Hi Kevin
Thanks a lot for your great comment, Say congrats to your friend, i think i know about that one.
And about business you hit the mark right on
.
Regards
Theuns
Hello Theuns
Paul in the Bible compares life to running a race. Business is a game, of strategy, rules and keeping score. Unless you play the game to the end you have no opportunity to have a winning score. Robert H.Schuller’s book, “Tough times never last, but tough people do” say “No matter how tough times get, you have the potential to achieve the best of life.” Yes, If you treat your business like an endurance sport, your success will pay off in the end.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry A Davis Jr @Network Marketing Nut and Bolts that make building your business Fun, Simple, Magical and Profitable.s would like you to read Seven keys to developing strong relationships in network marketing.
Thanks Perry I agree with you on the Bible ext . love to read that book.:-)
Regards
Theuns
It’s especially tough when a tough get going so true.
Thank you for sharing your poem and the kind words and encouragement to help us to all move forward for the long-term. Going on the long haul is not always easy but it really is rewarding.
As you and I both remember on the long run or the long bike ride it is the endurance that kicks in and we’re able to enjoy the pain and the pursuit.
Good luck with your business. Success to you.
Hi Thx Jim
I am glad you like my poem and agree on what i say in my post.
Regards
Theuns
WOWZA over 55 miles! I know that isn’t necessarily the topic but hot dang! I feel like I’m the shiz-nit when I run 3, lol! I need to up my game!
I love the comparison between sports and biz..I think they relate more then we tend to think!
I totally enjoyed your post and that poem is AWESOME!!! I’m gonna have to post that, hope you don’t mind if I pass it along…
-Ro
Roshanda Gilmore would like you to read Magic Ecover – Cut Out The Middle Man And Make Your Own In Minutes
This arilcte achieved exactly what I wanted it to achieve.
Thx Spud i am glad it did help you
Regards
Theuns
Hi Roshanda
Thanks For you Great Comment
I am glad you enjoy it.
Well you can share the peome with every one as long as you do not remove my name
i did create that in a moment of wisdome .
Regards
Theuns
Good to see a tealnt at work. I can’t match that.
Hi Theuns,
This is an excellent analogy to compare endurance sports to internet marketing and not quitting. I can relate completely and I think most of our TSA members can too. It is a good thing to continue to feed your mind with positive information and especially on staying relentless in your pursuits. I have had feelings at the 12.5 mark, but I agree. “When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going.” I know we’ve heard it so many times, but those are powerful words.
It is also very important that your partner, Steve has the same perspective with regards to reaching your dreams. I know he does and that is why you will bring your “Opus To The World.”
Thanks Theuns. I’m impressed that you have participated in marathons and cycling!
Raena Lynn
Raena Lynn would like you to read Does Attraction Marketing Work?
BION I’m ipmresesd! Cool post!
Hi Raena
Thanks a lot for you amazing Reply , it is friend like you and TSA that help me to keep on keeping on.
Regards
<3
Theuns
I’m not sure the place you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was in search of this info for my mission.
Theuns I just LOVE that poem! And the analogy of a successful business is right on!
In the beginning of the run there is so much energy, enthusiasm, and determination with the entire crowd. Then towards the end only a small percentage gets through. It’s those that have a STRONG desire for the outcome that stick around ’til the finish line.
Thanks again for this analogy. I heard it when I first got started in online marketing and have always had it as my gauge to see where I am in the “marathon”. So far I’m still in the run and I don’t plan on giving up!
-Jaclyn Castro
Jaclyn Castro would like you to read Do as Jim Rohn says “If you can’t change your Friends, change your Friends”
Thx Jaclyn
i am grad to hear you are still in the race all the best
Best regards
Theuns
Great points about not giving up Theuns… Just like the old saying it says “no matter what, you have to keep trying.”.. Persistence is the key.
Jeff
Jeffrey Sooey would like you to read How To Speak With Confidence Using Higher Standards
Thx Jeff
I am glad you injoy my post
best regards
Theuns
Theuns,
I loved your poem and my answer is “Yes.” I know I can fulfill my dream. I have done it in a small way so far, helping a few individuals and couples find love and transform their relationships. Now I am ready to do it on a much larger scale. The world has become so small through the web and I know there are so many people out there that want to hear what I have spent a lifetime learning. I might be past the 12.5 mark but not quite at the finish line yet.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone would like you to read The 10 Symptoms of Spiritual Awakening to Love
Hi Dr Erica
Always great to get your Comments and i know you will
go to the end with your new book. All the best.
Best Regards
Theuns
Endurance is a wonderful word to reflect upon. I loved your analogy which really clicked in my mind. But most of all, the poem that you wrote was perfect. It ties in everything we do. Thank you so much for giving such food for thought.
Donna
Donna Merrill would like you to read Do You Believe In “The Power of Prayer”?
Hi Donna
Thx for you comment ,and i am glad i could open something up
for you, Make it a great week.
Regards
Theuns
Excellent post Theuns,
I never consciously drew this parallel before, but it is absolutely true. Success in business and life, at least the kind that lasts is an endurance sport.
I have heard so many painful stories from profoundly successful people that it almost seems a rite of passage! Experiences like that are always difficult, but they give us the strength and endurance we need to have massive success rather than just a little short lived success.
Paul Reimers would like you to read How to Write a Powerful Elevator Pitch
Hi Paul
Thx., and i am glad i could open something new to you or see the picture Better
make it a great day .
Best Regards
Theuns
Theuns,
One should never give up, especially on themselves. One may find that they change occupations, focus, maybe even change horses, but mind, body and spirit teaches us to keep on to the finish.
I’m not one who cares for sports analogies, but this one works wonderfully.
RICK
Rick Lelchuk would like you to read We’ve Moved
Hi Rick
I am glad to hear my analogies work for you.
Regards
Theuns
I subscribed to your rss
Theuns,
Great article and I absolutely Love the poem! I think I will share on my Facebook wall. Everything, absolutely, everything seems so great when you first start out. Completing triathlons and marathons, learning musical instruments, learning computer languages, creating a blog and getting a following, getting into the college of your choice, graduating at the top of the class. So much fun! Wow, every single thing I just mentioned requires focus and dedication. No matter how much you love something, there will always be times when it’s just a GRIND! Something you don’t want to do. Something that you want to skip to rest and watch TV and talk and hang out with friends! Unfortunately, lack of commitment and lack of focus usually never, ever achieves anything that makes you feel good about yourself in the end.
– Jupiter Jim
Jupiter Jim would like you to read WordPress Tutorial: Add the Latest Version of Google Analytics to your WordPress Blog
Hi Jim
Thanks for this Great reply and thanks for sharing it on FB
I agree with you 100%.
Regards
Theuns
Hi Theuns, I love the analogy or comparison that you have made here between a endurance sport and our business. Congratulations on reach the mark of almost completing your dream of creating a Gratitude game. What a wonderful idea. The world needs more things like a Gratitude Game.
Thank you so much for bringing value to the world!
Lynn
Lynn Jones would like you to read Achieving Success Through the Power of Discipline
Hi Lynn
Thanks , I cant way for the moment to give it to the world
we are almost there .
Regards
Theuns
Hey Theuns, I love your analogy of endurance sports and business! Besides hanging in there for the long haul, I think we also have to be willing to adjust our strategies along the way … the journey almost always includes a few surprise detours! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
marquita herald would like you to read Doodlers Unite!
Thx Marquita , yes i agree we just need to keep on keeping on till the end .
Excellent analogy! The endurance race of your business is certainly a different race but a race of endurance just the same! So many can quit if they get to the tough part, but if you do quit you will never basque in the glory of the finish!! Not a marathoner, here, but I once did a triathlon… now I do much shorter activities!!
Holly would like you to read How To Exercise, Just To Exercise or Just Smoke?
Hi Holly
Thanks for cumming to my blog also , I wish i can do a triathlon but some
bad stuff happen to me so i can do it on this moment
Best Regards
Theuns
Great analogy Theuns.
I beleive the biggest difference is that many people do not have the understanding that they are entering an endurance race when the first start a business. I know I certainly didn’t.
I too feel I am at that 12.5 mile mark, there is no way I am quitting now. It has been too much of an investment; emotionally, physically and financially!
Thx Carla
I am glad to hear you are on the point not to give up
proud of you and make it happen.
Best Regards
Theuna