Building a Business: Why It’s Both a Sprint and a Marathon Inspired by Rule #6 in 7 Rules of Self-Reliance by Maha Abouelenein

If you’ve recently made the leap into entrepreneurship—whether full-time or as a side hustle—you’ve already proven one thing: you’re brave enough to begin. But here’s what you should know upfront:

Starting a business is both a sprint and a marathon.

You’ll need the drive to execute quickly and the endurance to play the long game. You’ll also need the wisdom to know when to sprint—and when to pace yourself.

In her book 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, Maha Abouelenein compares entrepreneurs to Olympic athletes. Both train for years, fueled by a vision of a future win. Sometimes, the effort brings victory. Other times, it brings a lesson. Either way, the process matters just as much as the outcome.

The Sprint: Move Fast, Build Momentum

Early-stage entrepreneurship is all about velocity. There’s a rush to:

✅ Validate your idea
✅ Build your MVP
✅ Connect with your first customers
✅ Make those first sales

Speed matters here. Action builds momentum, which fuels clarity. But no one can (or should) sprint forever. Burnout is real—and unsustainable success isn’t success at all.

The Marathon: Stay Consistent, Think Long-Term

The entrepreneurs who thrive are the ones who understand they’re in it for the long haul. The wins you’re working for—financial freedom, impact, legacy—don’t come overnight.

Long-term business success is built on:

🔹 Patience – Most businesses take 2–3 years (or more) to stabilize.
🔹 Consistency – Show up when it’s exciting and especially when it’s not.
🔹 Vision – Keep your eyes on your bigger “why,” even when today is tough.

Much like Olympic athletes, you are training in obscurity—often before the world ever takes notice.

When the Results Are Delayed (or Don’t Come at All)

Sometimes, your biggest efforts won’t result in the win you hoped for. Maha puts it plainly: “Sometimes the effort pays off and sometimes it doesn’t.”

But the work is never wasted.

Every failed launch teaches. Every “no” sharpens your pitch. Every long night grows your resilience. The equity you’re building might not be financial yet—but it’s real, and it’s accumulating.

Smart Founders Know When to Switch Gears

💡 Sprint when launching, promoting, or pivoting.
💡 Marathon when building infrastructure, brand trust, and community.

Mastering the art of switching between these two mindsets is what separates exhausted founders from strategic ones.

Final Thought: You’re Not Just Running a Race—You’re Building a Legacy

You’re not just here to hit a revenue goal or go viral. You’re building something that reflects your values, your ambition, and your grit. So yes—run fast when the moment calls for it. But more importantly, run long.

🟡 Are you in sprint mode or marathon mode right now in your business?
Let’s connect in the comments—I'd love to hear how you're navigating both.