eBusiness Weekly
Arthur Marara
A true story is told about a man called Cliff Young. Between 1983 and 1991, Australia held an annual ultra-marathon of 544 miles (875 km). What a goal? World’s most elite racers ran from Sydney to Melbourne in five days — these athletes trained specially for this event, which was considered one of the world’s most gruelling races.
One day, in 1983 a 61-year-old Australian potato farmer named Cliff Young entered the race.
Cliff wore overalls and work boots. To everyone’s shock, Cliff wasn’t a spectator. He picked up his race number and joined the other runners.
The press and other athletes became curious and questioned Cliff. They told him, “You’re crazy, there’s no way you can finish this race.” To which he replied, “Yes I can. See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn’t afford horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up, whenever the storms would roll in, I’d have to go out and round up the sheep.
“We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I’d always catch them. I believe I can run this race.”
All of the professional athletes knew that it took about five days to finish the race. In order to compete, one had to run about 18 hours a day and sleep the remaining six hours.
The thing is, Cliff Young didn’t know that!
When the morning of the second day came, everyone was in for another surprise. Not only was Cliff still in the race, he had continued jogging all night.
Eventually Cliff was asked about his tactics for the rest of the race. To everyone’s disbelief, he claimed he would run straight through to the finish without sleeping. He was able to finish the race ahead of everyone else. To his surprise he was told that he had won a monetary price, which he was not even aware of.
He had never entered the race for the money. Consequently, he shared the money with the rest of the athletes.
Cliff’s story illustrates the power of consistency. Speed is not everything consistency is. You can arrive at your destination should you remain consistent at what you are focusing on. Even the small steps do count.
Consistency beats intensity
Set big goals but be willing to take with small steps. It is true that consistency beats intensity. Bruce Lee once said that, “Long-term consistency beats short-term intensity.” According to Bruce Lee exercising regularly that builds up strength and resilience.
This is such a powerful message that applies to pretty much to any aspect in life. Whether starting a writing career, trying to lose weight, or growing your business – consistency is key.
Do something daily that will help you achieve your goals. This is the reality of setting big goals, with small steps. Plan your action against strategy in sprints that do not easily fatigue you. Keep the pace high. Three tasks done excellently beat 15 done 70 percent. Remember, “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” (Marie Forleo)
Take that step
It is not enough just to talk about your goals and the tools you need for the journey, at some point you need to take that step in order for you to start experiencing the growth that you want to see in your business. You really need to be intentional about the growth of your business. The Chinese say, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”.
For most people, it is the first step that is the most difficult one, but once taken it is a prelude to great things. A lot of people are afraid to take action.
The greatest risk in life is in not taking risks. Take action. You want your grades to improve, start reading; you want your business to improve, revisit your strategies, invest in better and up-to-date knowledge in business. Do something towards your goals and vision every day. Your life is not going to be changed by a giant step. Your life is changed by taking small consistent steps in the right direction.
That is even why Neil Armstrong, the first person to land on the moon, gave us a very profound thought, “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind”. There is need for small steps in life. To change your life, you need one small step.
Small steps matter
Small steps are still steps, they do matter. This is perhaps one of the messages that people who want to go into business often do not want to hear. Start small! Nothing happens unless if you start. Start small, and be consistent in the process of growing.
Whatever steps you take in the right direction are never a waste; they are an investment into your business.
Focus on doing something today
Big steps are great but never ignore the importance of doing something today no matter how small it is.
Meet someone new everyday
Invite someone to take a look at your business everyday
Send a presentation everyday
Follow up with someone every day
Post something everyday
Read something every day
Make today count by taking small consistent steps.
Join me on Star FM on Wednesdays (09:40am-10:00am) for some moments of inspiration on the Breeze with V Candy.
Arthur Marara is a corporate law attorney, keynote speaker, corporate and personal branding speaker commanding the stage with his delightful humour, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences. He is a financial wellness expert and is passionate about addressing the issues of wellness, strategy and personal and professional development. Arthur is the author of “Toys for Adults” a thought provoking book on entrepreneurship, and “No one is Coming” a book that seeks to equip leaders to take charge. Send your feedback to [email protected] or Visit his website www.arthurmarara.com or contact him on WhatsApp: wa.me//263780055152 or call +263772467255.
