In 2015, my world turned upside down due to a work-related accident, leaving me with hundreds of stress fractures in my feet.
For around eight weeks, I was consumed by the fear that I might never walk again, let alone run. It was a scary time, with the prospect of being a wheelchair user looming over me unless the doctors could unravel the mystery of my condition.
Thankfully, modern medicine came through after consulting with eight specialists and undergoing many tests - blood work, allergy, metabolic, autoimmune tests, X-rays, an MRI, and even an endoscopy.
The solution: a series of nightly bone stimulator treatments that miraculously healed my feet, allowing me to return to full-time work within 100 days.
Fast forward to today, I've just completed my first 5K run at 37 years old.
This journey, filled with ups and downs, is remarkably similar to navigating the unpredictable waters of the small business world.
Facing the Initial Challenge:
Like overcoming my injury, starting a business often involves a significant hurdle. The early stages can be daunting and overwhelming, filled with finding funding, identifying a niche, and setting the groundwork.
"I would love to tell you on the road to success, everything is going to work out. It’s going to be a dog fight. On the road to success, I lost five Aunts to cancer. In the midst of my business, I had to go to funerals, and I had to get on planes. I had to raise money. It’s a dog fight" - Dr. Eric Thomas
Two years of dedication at the gym have prepared me for the 5K. In business, my dream of owning and running a company had been simmering since 2009, but it was always a 'someday' idea.
I had to shift from dreaming to doing.
This meant moving beyond the constraints of 'someday' - enough money, time, or the perfect idea - and taking the leap.
I trusted the years of preparation and resilience built through my accident and recovery, made a plan, and embarked on my business venture.
Post-accident, I faced recurring foot pain, becoming increasingly sensitive to temperature and pressure.
“There will be lots of downs. Do your best to fight tooth and nail to survive. And if you don’t survive, if you have worked damned hard, don’t get down about it. There’s a lot of successful entrepreneurs who have picked themselves up and started again”- Richard Branson.
In business, unexpected market changes or financial challenges are inevitable.
Adaptation and resilience, as I learned through managing my condition, are essential.
My gym buddy's challenge to run a 5K with him was pivotal.
His simple question, “Why not? Let's do a 5k,” pushed me to confront and move beyond my limitations.
"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."-Jim Rohn
Ed Mylett reviews this principle in his book “The Power of One More.” stating you can’t change who your family is, but you can control who you let into your life.”
Evaluate your friendship. Are they what you need them to be to succeed?
In business, the support of mentors, networks, and a strong team is invaluable. They guide you, challenge you, and support you through tough times.
Running a 5K seemed daunting initially, just like setting business goals. I knew my limits and planned accordingly, setting realistic, measurable, and time-bound goals.
My goals for the 5K were:
This approach is critical in business for sustainable growth and success.
I panicked when I discovered my race registration had yet to go through due to a declined card.
But I adapted quickly. I opened the race website and saw they had a day of registrations. I would arrive earlier, just as businesses must pivot in response to market demands or new technologies.
It's about staying flexible and responsive.
Each run step required mental strength, paralleling the determination needed in business.
I ran the first mile with no issues. However, when I hit the second mile, my feet started to feel the cold of the rocky mountain air. I decided to speed walk if I couldn’t run; nothing was stopping me from speed walking.
A friend I invited to join with me was running behind me. At the end of mile two, he caught me. Mad because he could see that he was running the entire distance and I was speed walking the last mile. He tried to pass me, but I didn’t have it. I matched his pace and kept up with him until the previous ¼ mile, where the downhill enabled me to sprint. I gave it my all for that last ¼ mile. I spent what was left in my tank, and my feet screamed to deaf ears. I thought to myself, “If they brake, they brake. I’m finishing this race.” I’ve been in a wheelchair before I can go back. I can start again.
Whether overcoming a slow phase or tackling a challenging project, it's all about perseverance. My feet ached all day Sunday, but they are not broken today.
Every training session was a step towards self-discovery and understanding my limits and capabilities.
Similarly, businesses evolve through experiences, learning from both triumphs and challenges.
I understand my weaknesses and work through them despite them, but I do not quit or give up because of them.
Finishing the 5K was a considerable achievement. I’m a big guy. At 6’5” and 260 pounds, people don’t run at my size. I don’t care; I needed it. I needed a win, and this win was the best runner's high I have had in a long time.
In business, acknowledging and celebrating each success fosters a positive culture and keeps the team motivated.
I foster a positive culture in my weekly company meeting by reviewing everyone's “wins” for the week. Each person has to bring a win they had over the last week before we get down to business.
After the race, I'm already setting new fitness goals, reflecting the forward-thinking necessary in business.
This won't be my last 5K. It will be my last 5k at 260 pounds.
Strategizing for growth and innovation is crucial for long-term success.
Running this 5K and navigating my business, I’ve learned about resilience, adaptation, and relentless pursuit of goals.
Success, as Eric Thomas and Richard Branson remind us, is often a dogfight filled with ups and downs. But our determination and ability to rise truly define our journey.
Whether I’m lacing up my running shoes or drafting a business plan, every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.
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