The Marathon of Dadpreneurship: Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Welcome back, fellow dads! I’m thrilled to have you here today as we dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: how to succeed in business as a dad. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in various business ideas, bouncing between the mentality of a sprinter trying to reach the finish line as quickly as possible and the mindset of a marathon runner pacing himself for the long haul. Today, I want to share my experiences and insights on why I believe that embracing the marathon approach is key to long-term success, especially for us dads.

The Sprint Mentality: A Double-Edged Sword

When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I was all about the sprint. I had the mindset that if I could just hustle harder, if I could just push myself to the next milestone, I’d be successful in no time. And yes, sprinting can bring quick wins. The next client, the next sale, the next big opportunity always seemed just within reach, and I would chase it relentlessly.

But here’s the thing: those sprints, while exhilarating, started to take a toll on me. The constant hustle, the never-ending pressure to be on-call and ready to go, led me down a path of unhealthy habits. I was eating on the go, never taking breaks, and always pushing my body and mind to the limit. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this sprint mentality, while effective in short bursts, was not sustainable for the long game.

The Marathon Mindset: Building for the Long Term

After years of sprinting from one milestone to the next, I began to understand the value of the marathon mindset. Unlike startups with ample funding and large teams that can sustain a sprint-like pace for a few years, most of us dads need to take a different approach. We have responsibilities, families, and a desire to be present for our loved ones. This is why we need to think of our business endeavors as marathons, not sprints.

A marathon is all about pacing yourself. It’s about setting realistic goals that you can achieve over time without burning out. Instead of aiming for $10,000 in one year, I set my sights on earning that over three years. This shift in perspective allowed me to create systems and processes that are sustainable, ensuring that I can keep going for the long run.

Learning from the Marathon Runner

A friend of mine, who has run several marathons, once shared some valuable advice. Marathon runners don’t just aim for the finish line; they set smaller goals along the way. These checkpoints provide opportunities to rest, rehydrate, and refuel, ensuring they have the energy to complete the race.

In business, these checkpoints are the small wins and milestones that keep us motivated. But unlike a sprinter, a marathon runner doesn’t see each checkpoint as the ultimate goal. Instead, they see it as a necessary step towards the bigger picture. By keeping the entire journey in mind, rather than focusing solely on the next 500 yards, we can avoid the burnout that comes from sprinting too hard, too fast.

The Key to Success: Slow and Steady

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success in business isn’t about being the fastest out of the starting blocks. It’s about being the fastest to the finish line. And sometimes, that means taking things slow and steady. Remember the old saying, “slow and steady wins the race”? It holds true, especially for us dads who want to build something meaningful without sacrificing our health or time with our families.

By pacing ourselves, creating repeatable systems, and focusing on the long-term goal, we can build stable, successful businesses that stand the test of time. So, dads, I encourage you to embrace the marathon mentality. Take your time, set realistic goals, and remember that it’s not about how quickly you reach the next milestone, but about how well you sustain your journey towards the finish line.

Join the Conversation

I hope you found these thoughts and ideas valuable. I’d love to hear your perspective! Are you more of a sprinter or a marathon runner in your business journey? What systems and strategies have worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s learn from each other’s experiences.

And if you’re interested in continuing this conversation, be sure to check out the next video linked here. Until next time, keep pacing yourself and keep striving towards your goals. Remember, it’s not just about reaching the destination—it’s about enjoying the journey as well.