We’re All Marathon Runners
We, as a society, are very impatient. We seek instant gratification and immediate results, with anything we do. That’s exactly why people get fooled into sending their life savings to the prince of Nigeria. We don’t want to work for our rewards, and as a result, most of us don’t get rewarded.
The tech space has its fair share of entrepreneurs who never went to college, spent several years working their butts off to build amazing products, and sold them for millions. And as the mainstream becomes more and more informed about the space, more and more people think they can achieve the same result in a few short years (or less). It’s easy to highlight those success stories, but remember, for every entrepreneur who sold their product for millions, there are thousands who worked just as hard but failed to see results (at least of that nature).
Believe me, I know, it’s sometimes difficult to be in an industry where one great idea plus stellar execution equals $$$$$ (at a very basic level). You get anxious, you want the same for yourself. Just think, the next Facebook is just sitting out there, waiting to be had by anyone who wants it. Not as easy as it seems.
—
Gary V. says a lot of things. One of the ones that has stuck with me most is when he talks about branding with social media. In an interview last year, he said:
The quicker people realize that this is a marathon and not a sprint, the quicker they’re gonna win. Way too many internet marketers want everything to happen in one minute. You don’t build million dollar businesses in a minute. That’s something I wish a lot more people understood.
No matter your profession or your spot in life, it’s important to remember that we are all running our own marathons (so stop trying to get to the finish line in two hours).
As with anything, success takes hard work, a good team, a little bit of luck, and time. It takes most of us eighteen years to even be in a position to leave the comfort and security of our parents’ homes. Life is not one big get rich quick scheme; it’s a process, and it’s important to remember that from time to time.
Set small goals and knock them out of the park. With every action you take, as yourself if it’s going to be beneficial for your long-term success. Surround yourself with people that will encourage you and make you better, and then work together to make it to the finish line. And when other runners seem to be passing you by, don’t get frustrated or anxious or worried. We are all running our own marathons.
Edit: My friend, Kade Dworkin, wrote a really interesting post highlighting a crucial point I failed to address. Make sure your daily actions coincide with your long-term goals. A marathon is quite an ambitious task, but it becomes more manageable when you break it down into smaller steps. Think to yourself, “How will I get to the one mile marker? The five mile marker?” And so on… The actions you make day after day after day are what will determine your long-term success, in the end. Thanks, Kade, for pointing that out!
What do you think? Where are you on your marathon (don’t worry if you’re still just training)? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Author: Sam Taggart
