One Step at a Time: Lessons from an Ultramarathon Runner for Business Founders
- Martin Foster
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Starting a business is a lot like running an ultramarathon—exciting at the start, daunting in the middle, and rewarding at the finish. My friend Bill, who recently launched a business, has found himself navigating both journeys. From charting out goals and scouting locations to securing funding, he’s learned that every step counts, even when progress seems slow.
Here are key take aways from Bill’s story and how you can apply them to make progress on your own big goals, one step at a time.
1. Prepare and Pace Yourself
When Bill started his ultramarathon, he was confident, prepared, and ready to go full throttle. But he quickly realised he had to pace himself for the long haul.
Action Item: Set clear goals but remember to take breaks and avoid burnout. Small, consistent efforts go a long way, especially in business.
2. Stay in Your Lane (Literally and Figuratively!)
In the chaos of the marathon start, Bill struggled to find his pace amid the crowd, losing sight of his own rhythm.
Action Item: Don’t get distracted by what others are doing. Stay focused on your unique path and find a pace that works for you.
3. Don’t Skip the Refuelling Stops
Feeling good, Bill bypassed the rest stops—until dehydration and exhaustion kicked in.
Action Item: Take time to recharge. Regularly pause to check in with your mental and physical well-being, recalibrate, and assess your progress.
4. Keep Moving, Even When It’s Tough
During tough stretches, Bill simply focused on putting one foot in front of the other, a mantra that got him through.
Action Item: Break down big challenges into manageable tasks. Instead of worrying about reaching the end, focus on the next small step, then the next.
5. Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small
Crossing the finish line was an incredible moment for Bill, but so were the “small wins”—connecting with other runners, reaching rest stops, and simply persevering.
Action Item: Celebrate progress, no matter how minor it may seem. Those victories keep you motivated and remind you why you started.
Starting a business or any big venture is like an ultra-marathon, filled with highs, lows, and unexpected challenges. But remember, like Bill, you’ll reach your goal as long as you keep taking one step at a time. Just focus on moving forward—you’ll get there!
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