Marathon vs. "Marathon"

I officially launched my company website on June 2, yippee!! I felt like I've just given birth to a baby... tired, but excited.

While I would love to kick back, relax, and focus only on doing projects, I know that the "work" has just begun. As those of you who have your own business know, running a business is like running a marathon. It's a process, it takes perseverance and patience. Thankfully I did have a taste of training for and running a half marathon in April this year. That was a very good training and had prepared me for this marathon of running my consulting business.

Lessons I've learned from running the half marathon:

• Keep a regular running schedule, do a long run every weekend.
• Don't forget to stretch before and after the run.
• Listen to your body, rest and take a day off if your body needs it, don't push it or you'll injure yourself.
• Eat healthfully, avoid processed food and sugar, add protein to every meal.
• Get plenty of water and rest.
• When running, keep your eye on a target 10-20 ft in front of you, don't look down on your foot or look too far up or you'll lose your focus.
• Use a mantra if necessary to keep you going, especially during the last miles of your run.

Pointers I borrow from my half marathon training to build my business:

• Keep a regular work schedule and marketing schedule, schedule at least one networking lunch or meeting per week.
• Don't forget to maintain good communications with contacts, prospects, and clients before and after the sale.
• Listen to your intuition, know when to build rapport with prospects and clients (that's all the time!) and when to ask for work. Take time off to read/do fun stuff or hang out with friends, don't work too hard and forget about the real meaning of life.
• Eat healthfully, avoid processed food and sugar, add protein to every meal.
• Schedule time for exercise, get plenty of water and rest.
• When building your business, keep your eye on a reasonably stretched goal. Don't be complacent with what you've achieved and don't aim too high or you'll feel like not accomplishing anything.
• Have quiet time everyday to clear your mind and keep a positive attitude. Celebrate every little success you achieve along the way.

I'm thankful for all my friends and my team of professionals (including my yoga teacher and chiropractor) who have helped me on my journey. It really takes a village to make things happen!

I offer my sincere thanks to you and may you be happy, healthy, and free.  Namaste.

 

Comments

[Rubes]

Pi Wen! I'm really sorry I didn't manage to connect with you while in the US. It was quite a crazy trip and we were rarely in our motel room. Just wanted to say I found this post really inspiring! I have so much admiration for your successful completion of a half marathon!!! :) I, on the other hand, am ballooning from working 12 hours a day..! Will write more soon... but know that you are in my thoughts!