From Running Trails to Real Estate Deals

Let me share a personal story with you…

New endeavors demand more than fleeting motivation or vague aspirations. They require something deeper—a blend of persistence, structure, and grit.

When I think about my marathon training last week, the initial excitement of setting the goal to finish 26.2 miles was thrilling. But, as Tom Landry wisely put it,

“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”

I’m just one week into a 12-week journey that ends in Miami on February 2, 2025. This first week, I ran 13 miles across three runs. Next week, my goal is 20 miles, and each week that mileage climbs. By Week 9, I’ll be at my peak, and then the miles start tapering off so I don’t burn out before the big day.

And let’s be honest—hope alone isn’t going to get me across that finish line.

I can’t just rely on “hope” to train my body to push through those miles, to quiet Little Nicky (you know, that pesky inner critic), or to tap into my grit. Hope alone won’t channel the mindset of David Goggins, who said,

“When your mind says you’re exhausted, fried, totally tapped out, you’re really only 40% done. You still have 60% left in your tank.”

There’s a lot of time to think on these runs, and more often than not, I find myself reflecting on the businesses and the life I’m building. Just like my marathon training plan, my success in real estate investing hinges on a well-thought-out strategy. It’s about knowing the market, analyzing the numbers, and balancing risk. And above all, it’s about having a plan and working the plan.

Admiral William H. McRaven said it best in The Wisdom of the Bullfrog:

“Hope alone is just wishful thinking. Pair hope with a sound strategy, a detailed plan, and a lot of hard work, and nothing is out of reach.”

This resonates with me right now. Because while hope gives us that initial spark, it’s the action—the carefully planned steps—that turns dreams into something tangible.

Through my experiences, I’ve realized that successful habits are foundational across all aspects of life. Whether it’s having the discipline to push through a tough run or the diligence to do a deep dive on a real estate deal, these principles are the bedrock of success.

And, as John Maxwell suggests, success needs urgency and patience in equal measure.

“Be urgent about making the effort and patient about seeing the results.”

It’s a simple truth that’s easy to forget when we’re in the thick of it.

Another parallel I’ve noticed is the role of community. In training, it’s connecting with other runners who understand the grind. In real estate, it’s networking with other investors, learning from mentors, and attending seminars to gain new perspectives.

The journey toward the finish line—whether in a marathon or in business—demands more than just hope. It takes planning, consistency, and the resilience to keep going even when it’s tough. By embracing these principles, we’re not just preparing for race day or the next deal; we’re building something enduring.