I spent last weekend watching my husband’s WRL endurance race. As I was daydreaming of life and business, I began to ponder how much running a business resembles driving a car.
There’s a rhythm to it. Moments of acceleration, times to ease off the gas, and stretches where you’re simply coasting. And just like driving, the key isn’t about going fast or slow.
It’s about knowing when to press which pedal.
The Gas: Persistence
The gas pedal represents persistence. This is the force needed to drive your vision forward.
When you’re starting something new or steering through challenges, you must press down hard, dedicating 100% focus, and not allowing fear to get in your way.
For anyone that follows our travels. It is grueling. Bouncing from state to state, barely home long enough to switch out our suitcases. I currently have 3 suitcases half packed on our bedroom floor. People ask me all the time “how do you keep going?” It is not really a question for us, there is no choice, we need to keep our heads down and keep driving, taking a break only in the perfect moments where we feel ahead.
There are a lot of roads ahead we have not yet covered. That kind of forward motion takes courage and consistency. But if you stay on the gas too long, you risk burnout, missed signals, and the inability to pivot when needed.
Persistence is powerful. But not every stretch of road requires full speed.
The Brake: Patience
Patience is your brake. It’s what keeps you from rushing to make decisions or taking every opportunity that crosses your path.
There have been seasons in business where patience felt like inaction. Waiting for the right hire. Delaying a launch until the timing was right. Holding back when everything in me wanted to move faster.
Those moments taught me that slowing down isn’t losing momentum; it’s protecting it. The best leaders I know don’t just act fast. They pause wisely and say no when it is necessary.
Coasting: The Art of Utilizing Time
Then there are the moments in between, the coast. The stretch of road where things are working, where the systems are running, and where the temptation is to immediately find the next hill to climb.
But I’ve learned the most productive leaders don’t fill every quiet mile. They use that time to refuel creativity, reflect, and prepare for what’s next. Because in both driving and business, coasting isn’t wasted time. It’s where clarity lives.
The Balance
Persistence keeps you moving. Patience keeps you safe. And coasting keeps you sane. The best drivers and the best entrepreneurs master the balance between the three. They know when to push, when to pause, and when to simply enjoy the ride.
Closing Thoughts
Business isn’t a straight highway. It’s a winding road with sharp turns, traffic jams, and breathtaking views along the way. The journey isn’t about how quickly you get there…
But about learning how to drive well.
If you’re in a season of flooring the gas, remember to check your mirrors. If you’re in a season of slowing down, trust the timing. And if you’re coasting, just take a deep breath. You’ve earned that stretch.
So, what season are you in right now – gas, brake, or coast?