Endurance versus strength, there has always been arguments of which one is better to have. In endurance sports, an endurance athlete must be strong enough to compete, however if they don’t have the endurance to last then they will lose the race. It is the same for business owners. A business owner may have the strength to get the job done or make the decisions, but it is in the final hour when staying focused a little longer or not tiring out is critical to the success of the business.

According to the dictionary, endurance means the ability to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions. A good synonym to pair with the word endurance is stamina. Lasting longer, pushing harder and still being able to maintain a consistent force to accomplish goals and tasks.

Strength, defined as having bodily, muscular or mental power. A good synonym to pair with strength is vigor. It is having the power to do something whether it is physical or mental. Often times we compare lifting a car to physical strength.

An endurance athlete must have the muscular strength to participate in marathons and triathlons, while a business owner must have the mental strength to make tough decisions, think about what’s best for the company and run the day to day operations. This is not the same as endurance however; endurance refers to the long haul. It does not matter how much physical strength an athlete has if they cannot finish the race. As a business owner it does not matter how much strength one has to make the tough decisions, if they unfocused, lack energy, short tempered or out sick because they have not taken care of their health.

Endurance is built through lifestyle and habits and includes strategy and balance. One must practice daily what it is that they want to accomplish on the job and in sports. Proper eating habits are a must when you are looking to endure the race of life or any other kind of race, such as a marathon. A person must find balance between work, family and personal time. Working with a business life coach will assist in helping a business owner achieve the success they are looking for in finding balance and keeping themselves happy. A business life coach acts as a checks and balances to an endurance athlete and business owner.

Keep yourself mentally prepared for anything, balanced so you can handle it and happy so you can endure the impossible. Life is truly what we make of it; with the right attitude, support and lifestyle we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.