Marathon training and running the race itself are a great analogy to your succession plan. They both require

– commitment,
– regular training with input from a coach or others, and
– take a long time.

I have not run a full marathon, only a half marathon and admire those who have the endurance to run the full 26 miles, comprised of about 45,000 steps.

Your succession plan is something you likely cannot accomplish alone. It requires planning and most importantly commitment from those around you to support your plan. So like running a marathon, your succession plan may have the equivalent of 45,000 steps. Try to celebrate your accomplishments that you make along each step of this journey.

Learn, think, apply!