Investing for the long haul: lessons from marathon running

MOST people dream of achieving financial freedom, but too often, they sprint toward wealth, only to see their lack of strategy and support trip them up. This impatience can be costly.

- QUEEN MAHACHI

Building wealth is less like a 100-metre dash and more like running a marathon: it’s about setting a sustainable pace, pushing through challenges, getting support, and making smart decisions consistently over time to achieve specific goals you've set for yourself.

Success takes planning, preparation, and the ability to endure uncertainty," says Mahachi.

"Financial advisors are like coaches when the road gets tough and doubt sets in, they help you maintain your perspective and motivation to keep going."

Mahachi’s analogy is rooted in personal experience. Since 2018, she has supported her husband, an ultra-marathon runner, as his “seconder”, providing encouragement, sustenance, and strategy at every stage of his races.

What I learned is to define goals clearly and to support the athlete in sticking to the plan.

The first step: define your finish line

Just like new runners, those starting on their wealth journey may not know how to crystallise a clear sense of direction. Many people work hard, earning a decent income, but never get out of the starting blocks in terms of building wealth, because they haven't mapped out what they’re working toward.