4 Ways How Running is Like Investing

Running and investing have many similarities.

Running is to get fit; investing is to get wealthy. Both take time. There are no shortcuts, and the formula might be simple, but neither is easy.

The hardest part is starting

Choosing to get fit requires overcoming your first run where you feel horrible. Your body cries out for you to stop, and you probably won’t go far on your first run.

Investing your money for the first time requires you to have some money to invest. Getting off zero is hard, and you might be filled with fear when you invest.

In the short term, the reward from your first run and your first investment deposit is almost non-existent. You might wonder why you bothered.

Contribute consistently

You can’t get fit by running once, and you won’t build wealth by making only one deposit into your investment account. You need to find a sustainable routine that works for you.

Run 3 times a week, keep it short, and don’t overdo it. Invest once a month. Your monthly deposit should be as much as you can afford but not too much that it overwhelms you with fear.

Over time you should run further and invest more.

Keep it simple

Invest in products that you understand. An exchange-traded fund (ETF) like the Satrix 40 will spread your investment across a portfolio of shares. You don’t have to do research or worry about when to buy and sell. Invest regularly and forget about time. Time is your friend.

Find a running route that you enjoy and is close by. Keep your running shoes next to your bed. Set an auto alarm, so you don’t have to think about it. You want to remove all points of resistance and make it as easy as possible to lace up your shoes and head out the door.

Compounding is the holy grail

Reinvest the dividends. The benefit of price growth and dividend reinvestment manifests tremendous wealth over the long term. Don’t stop; keep going.

Just like investment returns compound over time, so does fitness. You will be able to run further and faster. Don’t stop; keep running. Everything about your life and health will change for the better.

Consistency is the key to fitness and wealth. It is as a superpower that you can nurture over time by transforming actions into habits. Don’t wait to start. START NOW!

Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog