Treat Your Career Like a Marathon
How to Build Long-Term Career Growth Through Purpose, Preparation, and Persistence
Every April, the Boston Marathon reminds us what it takes to go the distance—discipline, strategy, and commitment. While the spotlight shines on race day, the real story unfolds in the months (and often years) of training that lead up to it.
This same long-game mindset applies to your career.
Yet many professionals wait until they’re burned out, between jobs, or questioning everything before they reflect on their path. They treat their careers like sprints—intense bursts of effort followed by periods of neglect.
But what if we treated our careers like marathons? What if we built in time to pause, prepare, and pace ourselves?
Below, I share what career stewardship looks like when we approach it with the consistency and intention of marathon training.
Training Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
Some people have completed a marathon with little training—but experts strongly advise against it. Most training plans span 16–20 weeks, emphasizing the importance of consistent, gradual preparation to build endurance and reduce injury risk (source).
Your career works the same way. If you want to grow as a leader, land a great-fitting role, or stay energized in your current position, you need a rhythm of regular reflection, learning, and action.
Ask yourself:
What habits are helping me stay career-ready—regardless of whether I’m job searching?
Your Network Is a Source of Co-Creation
Marathoners often don’t train alone. They join running groups, work with coaches, and build teams that help them stay motivated.
The same applies to your professional relationships. Your network isn’t just a resource for when you need a new job—it’s a space for mutual growth and co-creation.
As Harvard Business Review notes, strong networks are built through consistent, long-term relationship-building—not one-off transactions (source).
Ask yourself:
Who’s in my professional support system?
How am I actively contributing to and learning from those connections?
Purpose Fuels Your Commitment
Many runners participate in honor of a loved one or to raise funds for a cause. That sense of purpose deepens their commitment—especially during the toughest miles.
The same is true for your work. A strong connection to purpose helps you navigate uncertainty and feel grounded in the midst of challenge.
In fact, McKinsey & Company reports that 70% of people define purpose through their work, but only 15% of frontline employees say they’re able to live that purpose day to day (source).
Ask yourself:
What motivates me to keep showing up and doing my best work?
Are my current goals and actions aligned with what matters most to me?
Create the Conditions for Growth
Training doesn’t guarantee perfect weather or flawless performance on race day. But it helps you be ready when opportunity arises.
That’s the principle behind intentional serendipity—actively putting yourself in situations where meaningful opportunities are more likely to emerge.
Rich Feller, co-founder of OneLifeTools, describes it in a conversation with Jim Peacock, a career practitioner trainer, as “actively doing things that increase the chance of opportunity”—like showing up, reaching out, and staying curious, even before you know exactly what you're looking for (source).
In practice, this could mean:
Saying yes to an event or conversation that sparks your curiosity
Sharing your ideas before they feel fully polished
Reaching out to someone whose path inspires you
Staying open to possibilities—even if they weren’t part of the original plan
Ask yourself:
What environments am I stepping into that could spark new insights or connections?
How am I balancing openness with focus?
Progress Over Perfection
Marathoners know that injuries, fatigue, and setbacks are part of the journey. They don’t expect every mile to be perfect—they focus on consistency.
The same mindset applies to your career. Especially when aiming for roles or leadership paths that reflect your strengths and values, you’re bound to face twists and turns.
Researcher Angela Duckworth calls this grit—the combination of passion and perseverance that predicts long-term achievement more than talent alone (source).
Ask yourself:
Where can I give myself permission to be in progress—not perfect?
What would shift if I focused more on commitment than outcomes?
Stewardship Is a Lifelong Practice
After race day, many marathoners keep running—not for medals, but because movement has become part of who they are.
Career stewardship is similar. Whether you’re navigating change or developing where you are, growth is a continuous process.
That means checking in with yourself regularly, investing in your skills, and making space for the people and practices that support your evolution.
Ask yourself:
How am I setting myself up for sustainable, purpose-driven success?
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to move forward with clarity and intention—whether you're at a crossroads or simply want to be more proactive—join my Career Clarity Masterclass.
We’ll explore your values, patterns, and goals so you can make your next move with confidence—and without rushing the process.
About the Author
Erica Mattison (MPA, JD, CCSP) is Founder and CEO of Erica Mattison Coaching & Consulting LLC. She is a Certified Career Coach and Master Certified Life Coach, who specializes in supporting purpose-driven professionals to create their dream careers and lead with maximum impact. She is the author of Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career. Erica leads workshops and provides executive coaching for purpose-driven organizations across sectors. Based in Boston, MA, she supports clients throughout North America. Learn more at ericamattison.com.
