Introduction
In this first post of my new series, I’m diving into a concept many of us can relate to: the struggle of showing up when you’d rather not. Whether you’re running a marathon or building a business, the ability to push yourself on the days you least want to is often what sets success apart from failure.
This blog explores the cornerstone of both journeys—discipline. It’s not about always being motivated; it’s about doing the work even when it’s the last thing you feel like doing.
Discipline: The Real Secret to Success
Success doesn’t come from short bursts of inspiration; it’s built in the quiet moments when no one is watching. In marathon training, it’s waking up early for a run, even when the bed feels warmer than ever. It’s lacing up your shoes when it’s raining or hot outside. In entrepreneurship, it’s tackling those repetitive, less exciting tasks that are critical for progress—like shipping orders (yuck), shipping replacements due to customer’s mistake (even worse), replacements due to my mistakes (the absolute worst), or formatting on a website.
Both require showing up consistently. The progress may feel invisible at times, but every step, no matter how small, contributes to a larger goal.
Getting Up When You’d Rather Not
The toughest days are often the most important. It’s easy to run when the weather’s perfect or work on your business when excitement is high. But what about the days when motivation is nowhere to be found? Those are the days that build character and momentum.
Both running and entrepreneurship test your resolve to keep going when the easier choice is to stop. The secret is understanding that discipline isn’t a punishment—it’s an investment in your future self.
What Would You Rather Be Doing?
The next time you’re tempted to skip the hard stuff, ask yourself: “What would I rather be doing?” The answer might not feel inspiring in the moment, but pushing through will lead you closer to your goal. Both marathons and businesses are built on thousands of small decisions to keep going, even when it’s uncomfortable.
This series begins with this simple truth: showing up is the hardest part, but it’s also the most crucial. Stick around as we explore more lessons from marathons and entrepreneurship in the episodes to come.