A few months ago, I decided (along with my husband) to train for the Des Moines Half Marathon taking place in October. While I’ve never considered myself a “runner”, I do triathlon and running is part of that, so it didn’t seem like that big of a leap for me. I mean, if my husband can do it, I can certainly do it, right? It’s only 13.1 miles…
Over the weeks, my runs became increasingly painful and unsuccessful. My mile time went up…a lot and I was really discouraged.
It was a tough decision, but I’ve decided to discontinue training for the half marathon. My body was rejecting the training and it was starting to affect my health.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how solopreneurs and small business owners struggle in the beginning…how long do they struggle before they quit? How do you know how hard to push yourself (and when to stop), when you’re not seeing the results you expected?
Is it when the money runs out? Is it when you take out a second mortgage on the house? Is it when the stress of being in business for yourself drives you insane?
When I decided to quit (and it’s very difficult for me to use that word) training for the half marathon, I knew immediately that I’d made the right decision. I stood up a little taller, I smiled; it was as if a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders…
(By the way…in exchange for the half marathon, I signed up for the Cy-Man sprint triathlon up at Big Creek this weekend…I just can’t stop!)
Have you ever quit something? How far did you let it go before you decided to throw in the towel?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Suzanne,
Good question. I am reminded of something my father has told me many times. It is great to fall in love with business, just be careful about fallingin love with “a” business. Sometimes, the smartest business decision is in fact to quit.
Perhaps a wise entrepreneur is like a good poker player who knows you can’t try and win every hand you are dealt. “Know when to hold’em and know when to fold’em” as the song goes.
Hi Jeff – thanks for your note. I attended the Business Record’s Power Breakfast series this week and Christian Renaud talked about how failing needs to be taught as a necessary process in life. How else are we going to learn? While it’s difficult to “quit” something because you don’t want to appear as a “failure”, you’ve really got to know your limitations and I’d much rather be that person that gets out while they still can having made a smart decision…
I admire that you knew what was working for you, and wise that is was time to go into a different direction. Kudos!
In a great book by Danny Dreyer, “Chi Running”, Mr. Dreyer says, “the process is the goal” As long as you stay focused on the process whether through running or tri, you haven’t failed anything.
Really enjoy your newsletters. Keep up the good work!
Pat – thanks for your comment. I learned a long time ago to listen to my body – as hard as THAT is. I’m trying to apply that learning experience to being a small business owner. As Jeff said, “Know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em”!!!
Peter – haven’t heard from you in a while! Thanks for your comment and motivational words! We all need those once in a while!