Since I am into running these days and training for my first 11k, marathon strike me as an accurate metaphor for investing. Successful long-term investors are like marathoners. They must be well prepared, resilient, disciplined and focused to complete the run. Sprinting, like short-term investing, is really a different sport 🙂

You ask any runner; no runner thinks about 42 kilometers at once. Even the thought would be overwhelming. Instead, runners picture their run-in blocks: 5km, 10km, or even one kilometer at a time. Manageable blocks.

This same philosophy can be useful when saving and investing, let’s say, for retirement, especially when it’s still decades away. While the idea of saving a big corpus to retire comfortably may feel like a near-
impossible feat when we assign a number, investing just Rs.1000 per month in your 20’s looks manageable and reasonable.

In a world of instant gratification, we look for quick returns on even our investments, whether it is in stocks, real estate, or any other financial product. But to be truly successful, look at investing for the long term.

We can learn a lot from marathon runners when it comes to investing.

1. Preparation and planning. When you are training for a marathon, runners have a plan broken down into daily tasks. They not only run but also prepare their body by investing in strength training to build
stamina and endurance. Same way, investors need to have a roadmap, learn, and educate themselves on investments, opportunities and risks involved.

2. Patience is a key. You don’t run 42 kilometers straight away; you prepare your body, and it takes immense patience to run a marathon. Same goes with investments. We rarely get instant gratification. Wealth creation journey is a journey of patience. The trick is to be patient and stay the course.

3. Perseverance. A runner must be mentally and physically prepared for marathon long before the start of the run. Investing is no different. In the investing journey, you will encounter setbacks, losses, and market volatility. Investors' tenacity and staying power will determine victory.

4. Focus. Marathon runner’s focal point is reaching and crossing the finish line. Their goal is to run 42 kilometers. Same way, investors have goals, but the goals keep evolving with time. Investors need to focus on their vision, road map to stay on course and reach the destination.

There’s no denying the power of consistency and daily showing up to become a successful marathon runner. Same way regular savings, time and compounding will take you towards your goal. A journey of a marathon begins with the first step. A journey to Rs.1 crore begins with your first Rs.1000 investment.