11 ways a physical challenge correlates with business growth

While walking the entire 109 miles of North Yorkshire’s Cleveland Way in just 5 days, solo, I had some time to reflect.? It came to me how aspects of a physical challenge relate to the challenge of business ownership.

Here are 11 parallels I identified

1. Get out of your comfort zone

Setting ourselves new personal challenges that we’ve never attempted before is a great way to get out of our habitual ways of living (our “comfort zone”). When we try something new and challenging, we stretch ourselves and grow as an individual and as a business.

2. Don’t quit

The key to success is never give up: keep going, one foot in front of the other. We need to build mental resilience.

3. Fear

It’s inevitable when taking on something new that we’ll be apprehensive and our mind can lead us down all sorts of “what if” scenarios. Remember that FEAR stands for False Expectations Appearing Real. The physiological symptoms of fear are similar to excitement – choose excitement over fear!

4. Train, train, train

When embarking on a physical challenge we need to train our bodies to build strength, to avoid injury and increase our confidence in our ability to achieve our goal. As in business, we need to hone and practise our skills to stay ahead of the game.

5. Learning

When deciding to do something new, we need to learn how to do it. The easiest way to learn is to read a book or listen to an expert who’s already done what you’re aiming to achieve. Henry Stedman’s book on The Cleveland Way was the bible for my Challenge.

6. Plan ahead

My first action when planning my Challenge was to book my overnight accommodation for each stage of the walk. Arriving at the accommodation became my daily goal. We need to plan ahead in business, daily, weekly, quarterly and so on.

7. Risk management

Be aware of what could go wrong and prepare contingency plans. I packed emergency food supplies, a space blanket and whistle, and first aid items. Similarly, we need to identify and mitigate the risks in our business.

8. Discipline

Do what you say you’re going to do.

9. Focus

Keep your mind focused on the job at hand, every step of the way.

10. Look after your key assets

My key assets were my boots, my feet, and my legs. Every evening I cleaned my boots and re-waterproofed them, I massaged my feet and sprayed magnesium oil onto my knees, shins and calves. In business, we need to be sure to identify and look after our key assets whether that’s our people, our IP or our customers.

11. Celebrate

Be sure to savour your success, be proud and acknowledge what you’ve achieved.