Why building a business is like running a 10k


Michelle Nicole Martin

Leadership & Performance Coach for Small Business Owners

Reader,I think one of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur is that you’re constantly trying to turn your vision into your reality.


And when you don't get the results, achievements, or feedback you were expecting, self-doubt can live in your head...rent free! Am I right?!


So what do you lean on to keep yourself going?

You believe in and rely on your vision, your plan, your action, and your progress.

Think about running a 10 km race. You don't just leap to the finish line. Instead, you progress step by step, kilometer by kilometer.

Imagine if the moment you started you thought "OMG, when will I get to the end?" And then imagine if you spent the race thinking "I’ve already passed 5km. I’ve already finished half the race.”

You still have to complete the 10km; however, each option presents a VERY different experience.

Which one would you prefer?

As an Ex-Triathlete, trust me option 2 is far better!


Too often, we stress ourselves by focusing on the gap between where we are and where we want to be.

You know you are focusing on the gap when you say things like

  • "Maybe I'm just not meant to manage people."
  • "I’m never going to grow your business."
  • "Where will I ever find the time to run my business?"

This is understandable but not helpful. And I would argue it's actually harmful.

When you are faced with a problem, of course, you need to be honest with yourself. I'm not suggesting turning to toxic positivity.

But without a doubt, I know that how we feel dictates the actions we take. Negative thoughts lead to negative actions and vice versa.

So how do you flip into positive “solutions thinking” instead of “catastrophic destined for tragedy thinking”?

Focus on your progress, which will lead to greater feelings of motivation, resilience, and overall well-being.


This phenomenon is called the "progress principle" and highlights the importance of acknowledging and valuing incremental progress in your journey.

Recognizing and celebrating your progress, no matter how small, boosts your confidence and sense of accomplishment, leading to a more positive outlook and increased perseverance in reaching your goals.


What are you celebrating this week?


Hit reply and tell me your wins, no matter how big or small they are!

Michelle

Free Zone

How to stop under-earning in your business webinar coming soon.

Unsubscribe


The Prosperous Entrepreneur

Read more from The Prosperous Entrepreneur

Michelle Nicole Martin Leadership & Performance Coach for Small Business Owners Reader, let me take you back to 2013. There I was, lined up on the dock in the Toronto Harbor, waiting to jump in the water to start my race. This was my first big race, a qualifier for the amateur worlds. If I placed in the top 10, I could race as an amateur for Team Canada in 2014. So there I stood, nervous beyond measure. The stakes were high, and I sucked at swimming. There were no swim warm-ups... just...

Michelle Nicole Martin Leadership & Performance Coach for Small Business Owners It's been far too long since your last vacation, but finally, you've made it. You sit down for your first breakfast, free from the grind and eager to plan the day. Turning to your significant other, you ask, "What do you feel like doing today?" The conversation begins to bloom with possibilities. But then, your phone buzzes. You try to ignore it, determined to stay present. Yet, as the discussion unfolds, another...

Michelle Nicole Martin Leadership & Performance Coach for Small Business Owners Hey there, I want to introduce you to my client, Devon. She is a young mother of two who is full of energy, genuine, warm, and wears her heart on her sleeve. Ever since she got out of school, she's been the owner-operator of a learning center that her mother ran before her. As anyone with a parent who runs a business knows, it's usually your first job working for your parents! I guess you can say.... this learning...