I’m doing a triathlon in 20 days.

It’s been over 3 years since I’ve done one.

1 baby + 1 global pandemic later, I’ve been back on the swim – bike – run train!

…but I feel like I’m starting from ground zero.

Throughout my training I consistent thought I’ve had is “wow Laura, you used to be awesome at this!”

For the record, I am no longer awesome. 

I’m slower than I’ve ever been, and cannot fit into my old Team Canada Triathlon uniform… but I’m having fun, and that’s all that matters.

Tapping into my inner athlete has really reminded me of the things being an athlete in a solo sport and entrepreneurship have in common. 

So here’s the big one I landed while swimming laps at 6:00am (in fact, I’m probably in the pool when this email lands in your inbox)

No one is going to do it for you….

There are no gifts in entrepreneurship, and there are no gifts in sport.

I cannot outsource getting up in the morning and heading to the pool.

Triathlon is a grind, and the training is day in, day out – miles on the pavement by foot or bike, and laps and laps and laps in the pool.

Hiring a coach can keep you accountable, and build you a plan to help your training become more efficient, but ultimately they can’t do it for you.

If you don’t train for a triathlon, you might finish, but you will get absolutely crushed in the process… and it will take you a hell of a lot longer than it will everyone else.

The same applies in business.

You cannot outsource give a sh*t. You cannot outsource the requirement to show up day in and day out and pour into your business.

If you don’t do this, you can still make money, but it may just be at a really slow pace. Which is fine, if that’s what you desire (but if you’ve made it this far, we both know its not)

No one can build the business for you.

You can hire a coach to help keep you accountable, but they can’t do it for you.

Both building a business, and racing a triathlon are hard.

They’re both exhausting for different reasons.

They both make you cry for different reasons.

But they’re both something you should be really proud of.

If you’re working hard right now, know that I see you, I’m with you, and I’m cheering for you.

Here’s to you,