Most entrepreneurs are laser-focused people wired to future goals. It’s a fundamental requirement, as ideas, products and markets take time to develop and true success is often pushed many years down the road, so being able to keep an unwavering eye on the destination is critical.

That said, the danger in being so destination-focused is that you forget to appreciate progress and celebrate the small victories that occur along the way, which are really important for morale and provide ongoing reinforcement that the finish line is approaching.

In my first forays in business, I admit that I too was heavily slanted towards the end goal, and the journey was barely a consideration. Even when I started running, I was almost uniquely focused on results and achieving personal bests, to the point where I struggled to enjoy races. In one run in Arizona many years ago, I remember reaching the halfway point and being so pissed off that I was 4 minutes behind my planned pace that I actually debated quitting and taking a cab back to my hotel. I couldn’t embrace the moment, nor the sacrifices that went into my training, nor the beautiful desert landscape, nor the beautiful weather, nor the strange brotherhood of spandex wearers struggling through many of the same pains and uncertainties that I was. Nope, I was solely focused on my watch and when I reached the finish line a full 7 minutes past my expected time and the medal was placed around my neck, the destination seemed hollow.

Running is, however, responsible for my 180º shift to the other side, and over time I’ve become more and more of a journey advocate. I select races that challenge me physically and mentally. I select beautiful locations. I now take the time to smile, absorb the sceneries and snap photos. I embrace the pain and suffering of each moment. I relish the hardships and sacrifices that got me to where I am. I celebrate steep climbs and fast descents. I take things one kilometer at a time. I look forward to the morning after. Happiness is not standing on the peak of the mountain after all, it’s all the preparations that got us to the base of the mountain, it’s each tiny step forward on the climb to the summit and the sum of all experiences along the route.

Some of my most exhilarating running experiences have occurred when I landed in a new city and simply stuffed a credit card, phone and bottle of water into my running bag and took off in whatever direction felt right with no preplanned destination or outcome. The journey itself is the only ambition.

Being able to appreciate and celebrate the steps along each road in business and life is absolutely essential to my version of success and makes my entrepreneurial journey more enjoyable and sustainable. I’m also beginning to wonder whether or not there is an actual destination or if my journey is the only thing I crave.

– Hatcher Pass, Alaska

– Red Rock Canyon, Nevada