A recent survey from the US reveals that people who do endurance sport as a hobby earn three times more than the average person. Surprising?
Initially, perhaps. But when you look closer, the traits that fuel success on the trail often mirror those that drive wealth building.
Read on for six habits that top investors and elite athletes share.
Athletes know that excelling in endurance sports and building wealth both require more than pure skill. They also demand resilience, patience, and discipline.
“Excellence is my new habit.” (Dirk Stroda)
Here are six habits that top investors and elite athletes share. Read on to find out how to win your race – be it financial or physical.
1. Dare to dream big
Greatness starts with audacious dreams. Whether you’re aiming for financial freedom or the finish line of an ultramarathon, the bigger the goal, the more room for growth.
Successful wealth builders don’t shy away from ambitious targets. They know that even the most significant financial goals can be achieved with consistent effort over time. The key? Being specific. When you define precisely what you want, it becomes something you can chase relentlessly.
Running hundreds of kilometres may seem daunting, but it shifts from impossible to inevitable with steady discipline. The same goes for building intergenerational wealth: one step at a time is the only way to get closer to your goal.
2. Master the art of steady progress
Accumulating wealth, like running the Comrades or completing the Cape Epic, is all about endurance. The finish line isn’t going anywhere, but rushing there often leads to burnout or injury. Successful investors know to trust the process, staying the course even when progress feels slow.
Endurance athletes know this well: pacing is the key to conquering long distances. A strong start is impressive, but the careful, strategic strides carry you to the end. There’s no prize for reaching the halfway point first. As the story of the tortoise and the hare illustrates, the victory only comes when you cross the final finish line.
3. Harness the power of expert guidance
No one wins alone. Successful investors surround themselves with seasoned advisors who’ve seen the markets’ ups and downs. These coaches can filter out the noise, offer strategic insights, and guide them away from risky choices.
Similarly, top athletes have coaches who are motivators and sounding boards. They provide clarity, feedback, and perspective, helping athletes push through doubts and unlock their full potential. A good coach doesn’t just teach you how to win – they teach you how to learn from your mistakes and grow.
4. Leverage cutting-edge tech for success
In a world where tech dominates, winning is as much about brains as it is about brawn. For investors, technology is a powerful ally. From checking your spending against your budget to monitoring portfolio performance and setting goals, smartphones have become invaluable financial assistants. (Tech is great for tracking stuff. But do remember that your financial advisor offers a big-picture human perspective that no app can compete with.)
In the same way, technology has revolutionised training in the athletic world. Athletes can monitor their pace, recovery, and nutrition in real-time. And they can use tech to identify their opponents’ weak spots. But there’s a catch. Too much information can overwhelm. Both investors and athletes must avoid ‘analysis paralysis’ – the temptation to overanalyse every move instead of focusing on the bigger picture.
5. Stay focused on the ultimate goal
The best investors understand that building wealth isn’t just about managing portfolios to balance liquidity, tax strategy, fiduciary duties, and risk. It’s a holistic process that keeps the end goal in sight, even when the details seem overwhelming. This is why it’s important to prioritise your health (mental and physical) and to spend time doing the things that are important to you with the people who matter most.
Likewise, any top athlete knows success isn’t just about running faster or harder. It’s about growing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Without balance, performance falters, whether on the track or in the market.
6. Turn setbacks into stepping stones
Both investors and athletes know one universal truth: not everything will go according to plan. The road to success is often paved with failures, setbacks, and unanticipated hurdles. It’s how you respond to those bumps that defines your journey.
In financial planning, strategies may need adjusting when times get tough. The ability to adapt and stay the course separates the winners from the rest. The same holds for athletes: every race and every training session is a learning experience. Mistakes aren’t failures – they’re opportunities to refine, recalibrate, and return stronger.
Adopt an athlete’s mindset
At your next financial review, let’s think like athletes and focus on growing your wealth in the long term. As your financial endurance coaches, we are here to help
Disclaimer – *The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your professional adviser for specific and detailed advice.
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