As both a sports enthusiast and business coach, I have witnessed countless parallels between athletic achievement and business success.  However few sports mirror the entrepreneurial journey as perfectly as rowing.   This became particularly clear during a recent conversation with a client who launched their business about 18 months ago.

Picture a rowing competition: crews facing unpredictable conditions, requiring constant adaptation and unwavering focus. Their resilience is tested with every stroke as they fight to stay on course. This scene perfectly captures the journey of my client.

To stay afloat over the past 18 months, my client has had to “row” with intense determination just to stay afloat.  As the business grew, so did the intensity of their efforts covering everything from securing consistent sales and managing operational costs to dealing with staff challenges, maintaining a healthy cash flow and meeting customer expectations.

My client confided they felt that if they paused their furious rowing for even a moment, market forces will sweep them off course into oblivion.   This constant struggle has led to a common pitfall: becoming so immersed working “in” the business they have lost sight of working “on” the business.

Just as rowers must master both technique and strategy to succeed, business owners must find their rhythm. The passion and excitement that sparked their entrepreneurial journey should not be eroded by exhaustion and overwhelming responsibilities.

My ongoing conversations with this client will focus on navigating these waters more efficiently.  The key is not about rowing harder — it is about rowing smarter.