What’s Does Lionel Messi and Business Have in Common? They are Not Sprints, but Marathons.

In business, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that success is all about constant hustle and non-stop activity. But sustainable success is more like a marathon than a sprint. And one person who exemplifies this principle is the legendary soccer player Lionel Messi.

Messi has mastered the art of energy conservation on the soccer field. He knows exactly when to walk and when to sprint. And this is not because he’s lazy or lacks passion. He understands that strategic rest and energy conservation are vital for sustained high performance.

Researchers have found that Messi covers an average of 7 miles per game, combining walking, jogging, and sprinting. What’s fascinating is that he is walking in about 66% of the possessions, where he wins control of valuable space. He holds ground in critical areas while strolling, waiting for the ball to come.

Messi’s ability to pick and choose his attacking moments sets him apart. He can exploit the defense in seconds with his precision passes or shots. It’s been statistically proven that players only have the ball for about 3 minutes in an entire

game. So, what separates good players from great ones is what they do during the remaining 87 minutes when they don’t have the ball.

The lesson here is clear – knowing when to walk and when to sprint is a massive difference-maker in soccer, in business, and in life. Just like Messi, we need to understand that constantly running at full speed will only lead to burnout and diminishing returns. Instead, we should conserve energy and strategically choose when to go all out.

By adopting this mindset, we can maximize our performance and productivity. We can be more effective in our work and make better decisions. It’s about finding the balance between rest and action and being intentional about where we invest our energy.

So, let’s take a page from Messi’s playbook and remember that business is not a sprint but a marathon. Pace yourself, conserve your energy, and sprint when it matters most. This approach will lead to sustainable success and fulfillment in the long run.

Remember, success is not about constantly being on the go. It’s about being intelligent and strategic in how we utilize our energy. So, take a moment to assess your business practices. Are you constantly sprinting, burning yourself out in the process? Or are you finding moments to rest, recharge, and strategically choose when to go all out?

Consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Prioritize rest and self-care: Just like Lionel Messi takes moments to conserve energy, prioritize rest and self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, taking breaks throughout the day, and engaging in activities that recharge you mentally and physically. Remember, sustainable success requires a well-rested mind and body.
2. Be intentional with your energy: Instead of spreading yourself thin and trying to do it all, be intentional with where you invest your energy. Focus on high-impact tasks and projects that align with your goals and values. Learn to delegate and outsource tasks that are not in your area of expertise or others can better handle that. This way, you can conserve energy for the tasks that truly matter.
3. Embrace strategic planning: Just like Messi strategically chooses his attacking moments, embrace strategic planning in your business. Set clear goals and objectives and develop a roadmap to achieve them. Break your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and allocate your energy and resources accordingly. This way, you can work towards your goals in a sustainable and focused manner.

4. Cultivate patience and perseverance: Sustainable success is a long-term endeavor. It requires patience and perseverance. There will be ups and downs along the way, but staying focused and committed to your vision is essential. Remember that success is not always immediate, but consistent effort and strategic approach will pay off in the long run.

In conclusion, business success is not about constant hustle and non-stop activity. It’s about balancing rest and action, just like Lionel Messi does on the soccer field. By adopting a strategic and intentional approach to conserving energy and choosing when to go all out, we can maximize our performance productivity and, ultimately, achieve sustainable success in the marathon of business.