Success Is the Ability to Keep Going

Can you run a marathon without stopping to drink water? I know I can’t. So why did I think it was healthy to race through 16-hour days for two decades??

Speed is often described as your competitive edge in business. Sure, an upgraded engine will get you to your destination faster. But, it’s still just a fancy feature in your car. Stamina is the gas that wakes you up every morning and says: I’m going to keep going.?

The last two years taught me that my life can’t be Go Go Go all the time. I used to see people taking breaks and think: Oh, that must be so nice! I learned that taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury. Self-care is a necessity.?

We can’t be giving, giving, giving and never receiving. You have to make sure your cup is full, and being refilled, regularly. That means taking time out of your day to do the things that give you energy. For me, it’s a blend of self-improvement, exercising, and spending time with friends outside of work. I notice an immediate elevation in my outlook and output when I’m prioritizing my wellbeing. A morning run doesn’t just contribute to my health. It influences my creativity throughout the day.?

Stamina is directly correlated with realizing our life vision. The idea that meaningful goals can be achieved quickly is a fallacy. Goals are accomplished in a series of everyday moments. I aspire to be present and positive in each. Three kids and two businesses make for fast-paced days. I don’t want to carry the energy of my last meeting (or 10) with me to school pick-up, or vice versa. Recharging allows me to show up as the person I hope to be. Coffee helps too.?

The ability to rely on my teams, in life and business, propels me forward. We aren’t meant to build companies and families alone. My brother Uri is an incredible ally navigating the never-ending challenges of entrepreneurship. I could write an anthology about the obstacles we’ve faced. Still, no matter the crisis, we come together and ask: How are we going to overcome this? Resilience lifts you up out of your worst nightmare. Stamina carries you through to the other side.?

Partnership also means that you can switch drivers. Everyone needs to take a break. My family weathered the pandemic in Florida, thanks to Uri’s leadership. I worked as hard as I would have in New York. Still, he was the one holding down the fort for the team. It was a gift to be able to do what was best for my children. I learned that it’s okay to pass the baton, especially in the midst of a crisis. The purpose of being on a team is to be there for each other.?

Self-care is still a work in progress for me. I remind myself that I don’t have to do it all and need to carve out breaks during the day. My most valuable perspective shift has been redefining what it means to thrive. Renowned fashion designer Norma Kamali helped me reframe this by focusing on living a satisfied life, rather than a successful one. Success without satisfaction is never fulfilling.?

I understand now that thriving isn’t about hitting my next big career goal. It’s about having the stamina to make the most of today, whatever it may bring.?

What gives you the energy to manifest your life vision? Share your tips in the comments!