Spending 5 hours on a bicycle over the weekends allows me time to think and ponder about life.  Last week I was thinking about the similarities of training for an endurance event like the Swissman, and financial planning. 

While preparing for these events may seem vastly different from financial planning, there are actually several similarities that can be drawn between the two.

Firstly, both require a long-term approach. Just as you can’t train for an extreme triathlon or save for retirement overnight, successful endurance training and financial planning both require a consistent, disciplined approach over a period of months or even years. In both cases, it’s important to set achievable goals and break them down into manageable steps, rather than trying to achieve everything all at once.

Secondly, they require a focus on the fundamentals. In endurance training, this means building a strong base of endurance through consistent, steady training, while in financial planning it means focusing on the basics like budgeting, saving, and investing in a diversified portfolio. Just as building a strong foundation is essential for success in endurance events, it’s also essential for financial security.

Thirdly, adaptability is required. No matter how well you prepare for an endurance event or plan your finances, unexpected events can and will happen. In both cases, it’s important to be flexible and willing to adjust your approach as needed to stay on track towards your goals. Whether it’s dealing with an injury during training or adapting to a major life event like a job loss or unexpected medical expense, being able to adapt is essential for long-term success.

Finally, both require a long-term view. Endurance events are not won in a single day, and financial planning is not about achieving short-term gains. Rather, both require a focus on the long-term, with a commitment to steady, consistent progress over time. In both cases, it’s important to stay focused on your goals and not get discouraged by short-term setbacks or fluctuations.