Here are the best things I read, watched, or listened to last week.

Taylor Holiday on AppLovin 💚

Conversion Rate Optimization Tips📊

Starships Sixth Flight!🚀 

Advanced Strategies to Boost Acquisition and Retention through Subscriptions

PS: I’m hosting a big holiday party for everyone in the Eco System on December 10th! You can RSVP here 🎅 🎄

Lessons from Marathon Running for Entrepreneurship

A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege of running the New York City Marathon—a 26.2-mile journey through the city’s iconic streets and neighborhoods. It was one of the most physically and mentally demanding challenges I’ve ever faced. After reflecting on the experience, I noticed striking parallels between running a marathon and building a business. Both require a vision, preparation, persistence, and the ability to endure unexpected obstacles.

Here are the key lessons I took away from marathon running that apply directly to entrepreneurship:

1. Start with a Clear Vision

Before I took my first step, I knew the end goal: finishing the marathon. That vision kept me grounded through months of training and the countless hours pounding the pavement.

In business, having a clear vision is equally essential. Whether it’s hitting your first $1 million in sales, launching a new product, or scaling your company globally, knowing where you’re headed allows you to focus your energy and prioritize what truly matters.

💡 Pro Tip: Write down your business’s vision and revisit it regularly. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind, but a strong vision keeps you moving forward.

2. Preparation is Everything

The marathon didn’t start on race day—it started months ago with early morning runs, cross-training, and dialing in my nutrition. Without proper preparation, the race would have been impossible.

Entrepreneurship is no different. Success doesn’t come from a single product launch or campaign; it’s the result of consistent preparation, building a solid foundation, and continuously improving your skills. Whether you’re conducting market research, testing new ideas, or refining your operations, preparation ensures you’re ready to handle the challenges ahead.

💡 Pro Tip: Break your goals into smaller milestones and build systems to track your progress. Preparation doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the sum of small, deliberate actions.

3. Pace Yourself

One of the biggest rookie mistakes in marathons is starting too fast and burning out before the finish line. Trust me—it’s tempting when adrenaline is high, and everyone around you is sprinting. But a sustainable pace is critical to crossing the finish line strong.

Similarly, in business, growth must be intentional. Scaling too quickly without the right systems or resources can lead to burnout, financial strain, and even failure. Instead, focus on steady, sustainable growth. Know when to push harder and when to pull back to avoid overextending yourself.

💡 Pro Tip: Regularly evaluate your business’s pace. Are you taking on too much too fast? Or are there opportunities to push harder and accelerate growth?

4. Embrace the Tough Miles

Around mile 20, I hit what runners call “the wall.” My legs felt like lead, my energy drained, and the finish line seemed impossibly far away. This is the point where most runners want to quit—but pushing through is what defines the experience.

In entrepreneurship, you’ll face your own version of “the wall.” Maybe it’s when cash flow gets tight, or a major deal falls through. These are the moments that test your resolve. The ability to push through adversity and keep going separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest.

💡 Pro Tip: Build a support system—mentors, peers, or even a great team—who can encourage and guide you through tough times. I was lucky enough to have friends and family scattered throughout the race to give that extra support!

5. Mindset is the Game-Changer

If there’s one thing marathon running and entrepreneurship have in common, it’s this: success is 90% mental. On race day, my body wanted to quit multiple times, but my mind refused to give up. Similarly, in business, mindset is often the difference between giving up and pushing forward.

Staying positive, resilient, and focused during tough times can give you the edge you need. Surround yourself with people and resources that uplift and inspire you, and don’t underestimate the power of self-belief.

💡 Pro Tip: Develop a habit of mental toughness through mindfulness, affirmations, or journaling. Your mindset is your greatest asset.

The Journey is the Reward

Running the NYC Marathon taught me that the finish line isn’t the ultimate reward—it’s the journey, the growth, and the lessons learned along the way. The same holds true for entrepreneurship. Success isn’t just about hitting your revenue targets or scaling your business; it’s about who you become in the process.

Whether you’re running your first mile or building your first company, embrace the grind, celebrate the wins, and remember: the race is worth it.

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That’s it for this week! Thanks for tuning in everyone!

Peace 👋

Steve

Founder Tenzo & Commerce Chronicles

PS: If you made it this far, feel free to share it with friends!

PSS: If you want to sponsor Commerce Chronicles - we’re offering extremely good starting rates. Hit me up!