If you’ve ever thought about training for an Ironman, you know it requires intense commitment, long-term planning, and relentless execution. Scaling a business using the Rockefeller Habits is much like preparing for this endurance race. Both journeys demand discipline, clear strategy, and constant refinement of skills. Here’s how my own Ironman training experience reflects the same principles that power business growth.
1. Vision & Goal Setting: The Why Behind It All
The Ironman journey started for me in October 2023 when I watched my son Chris race in Panama City, Florida. The seed was planted then, and by November, I kicked off my training with a clear vision of crossing the finish line. I got buy-in from my family, especially my wife Lori, hired a coach, and built a support system. Just like training for an Ironman, every business must have a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) that inspires and aligns the team. In Habit 1 of the Rockefeller Habits, executive team health starts with a clear vision of where the business is headed. In Ironman training, each workout, diet choice, and mental practice is geared toward the finish line. Similarly, in business, every meeting, initiative, and decision should move you closer to your ultimate goal. The “why” behind Ironman or scaling a company serves as the fuel that drives endurance during tough times. Without a powerful vision, there’s a risk of faltering under the pressure. Whether it's a business or Ironman, keep your eyes on the prize — the finish line.
2. Regular Rhythms: Training Plans vs. Daily Huddles
Ironman training is highly structured. I followed the Tridot platform’s plan seven days a week. Whether it was swimming, biking, running, or strength training, each session had its purpose. A major learning curve was pacing myself in zone 2 for optimal endurance. I had to walk at times during runs or slowdown in the pool to avoid spiking my heart rate. This pacing mirrors the rhythms in business — if we push too hard without recovery, we risk burnout. Just as pacing is crucial in Ironman, it's equally critical in business. Regular meeting rhythms like daily huddles, weekly check-ins, and quarterly strategy sessions provide structure and accountability. The Rockefeller Habits emphasize rhythms for success. Daily huddles keep the team aligned and focused. Training for an Ironman is no different. Each day’s workout builds on the last, creating a feedback loop of constant progress.
3. Breaking It Down: Milestones and Sprints
No one completes an Ironman without breaking the race into smaller milestones. For me, that meant baseline assessments and addressing areas where I was a novice — especially swimming. I had to learn to breathe properly and control my pace. Business scaling also follows this pattern. Habit 3 of the Rockefeller Habits teaches us to break down the big picture into Top 5 priorities, helping teams make progress step by step. Quarterly priorities or key rocks allow business leaders to focus on smaller, actionable goals, leading to significant progress over time. The big lesson here? You don’t get from start to finish in one giant leap. Just as I didn’t start by swimming 2.4 miles or biking 112 miles on day one, business success is built brick by brick, with clear milestones along the way.
4. The Right People: Building an Ironman Team vs. Building a Business
I couldn’t have gotten far without my coach, my son and training partner Chris, and the support from my family. Ironman training, much like scaling a business, requires having the right team in place. In business, the right team of A-players is critical to success. Rockefeller Habit 6 highlights the importance of feedback. Just as I leaned on my coach for advice on pacing, nutrition, and recovery, leaders must have a team that is motivated, skilled, and aligned with the company’s vision. Building the right team is non-negotiable for both races. You can’t win in Ironman or business without surrounding yourself with people who are better in areas where you’re weaker. The key to scaling is ensuring that everyone is moving toward the same goal, with a sense of ownership and alignment.
5. Endurance and Recovery: Avoiding Burnout in Both Races
Endurance is the name of the game. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that endurance training and recovery go hand in hand. Pushing too hard leads to injuries or burnout. In business, Rockefeller Habit 9 encourages time for reflection and celebration. Just as I had to take time off to recover from training, your team needs downtime to reflect and recharge. This time for renewal is critical in both personal and professional development. Without balancing work, recovery, and reflection, you can’t sustain success over the long term. Just as the body needs time to heal after strenuous exercise, businesses need time to reflect and celebrate wins to prevent burnout and stagnation.
6. Resilience: Facing Uncertainty
During my Ironman training, I faced several hurdles: injuries, exhaustion, and moments of doubt. But resilience carried me through. Much like in business, unexpected challenges are inevitable. Scaling a business is not a linear journey. External market changes, internal organizational challenges, or new competitors can throw a wrench in your plans. Building resilience into your company’s culture — just as I had to build mental toughness during training — ensures that your team can weather any storm. Businesses, like athletes, need resilience to pivot, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
Conclusion: The Finish Line
Training for an Ironman and scaling a business are strikingly similar: both require a clear vision, discipline, teamwork, and the right pacing to avoid burnout. Whether it’s achieving your next business milestone or crossing the Ironman finish line, preparation and perseverance are essential. So, lace up, focus on your next habit, and keep moving toward the finish line — one step at a time.
Here’s to your finish line — stronger, faster, and better.