marathon, not a sprint

Definitions

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

• emphasize the need for patience and endurance
  Highlight the importance of long-term effort and perseverance in achieving a goal or success

Examples of marathon, not a sprint

• When our company embarked on a new strategic plan, we knew it would be a marathon, not a sprint. It required a long-term, sustained effort from every team member to achieve our goals.

  The phrase "marathon, not a sprint" is often used to describe a long-term, complex project or initiative that requires persistent effort over an extended period of time. It contrasts with the idea of a sprint, which implies a quick, intense burst of energy to complete a short, demanding task. By using this idiom, our company emphasized the need for focus, discipline, and perseverance throughout the strategic planning process, rather than a short-lived burst of activity.

• In order to succeed in our industry, we must remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. Competitors may have a quick advantage, but we must stay the course and continue to work hard for lasting success.

  In this example, the idiom is being used to convey the idea that success in a particular field or industry requires a long-term perspective and consistent hard work. It suggests that temporary advantages or setbacks should be viewed as part of a larger, ongoing process of growth and development, rather than as an indicator of ultimate success or failure.

• Our team has been working on this project for months, but it's still a marathon, not a sprint. We can't let up now, we have to keep pushing until we cross the finish line.

  This example illustrates the use of the idiom in the context of an ongoing project or task. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus, effort, and persistence throughout the entire process, regardless of how far along it may be. By framing the task as a marathon rather than a sprint, the speaker highlights the need for sustained attention and energy, rather than a quick burst of effort.

• In order to achieve our company's long-term goals, we need to recognize that it's a marathon, not a sprint. We must balance short-term gains with long-term strategies, and avoid making hasty decisions or taking shortcuts that could compromise our future success.

  This example demonstrates the use of the idiom to emphasize the need to balance immediate goals with a broader, strategic perspective. It suggests that a long-term focus is necessary to achieve lasting success, and that shortcuts or short-sighted decisions can have negative consequences down the road. By using the idiom, the speaker encourages his or her audience to adopt a more holistic and sustainable perspective on the company's goals and priorities.

• In our new marketing strategy, we need to focus on building long-term relationships with our customers instead of just making quick sales. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

  The idiom "marathon, not a sprint" refers to a long-term and sustained effort rather than a short-term and quick solution. In a marketing context, this means that we should prioritize building relationships with our customers over making immediate sales, as this will lead to more loyal and repeat customers in the long run.

• The success of this project requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It's not going to happen overnight - it's a marathon, not a sprint.

  The idiom "marathon, not a sprint" can also be used to communicate the need for persistence and perseverance in achieving a goal. In this context, it suggests that success will not come easily or quickly, but will require a sustained effort over a longer period of time.

• When it comes to learning a new skill, it's better to take it slow and steady rather than trying to rush through it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

  The idiom "marathon, not a sprint" can also be applied to personal development and learning. It emphasizes the importance of a gradual and sustained approach to acquiring new skills or knowledge, as this will lead to a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the subject matter.

• Some people are eager to achieve immediate results, but true success is often the result of a long and steady effort. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

  The idiom "marathon, not a sprint" is a powerful metaphor for the importance of patience and persistence in achieving success over the long term. It encourages us to focus on the journey, rather than just the destination, and to approach our goals with a sense of determination and focus that will sustain us over the long haul.

Conclusion

The idiom "marathon, not a sprint" is often used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task by cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. It is also used to emphasize the need for patience and endurance, highlighting the importance of long-term effort and perseverance in achieving a goal or success.

Origin of "marathon, not a sprint"

The origin of the idiom "marathon, not a sprint" can be traced back to the ancient Greek legend of Pheidippides, a messenger who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a military victory. According to the legend, Pheidippides ran approximately 26 miles before delivering the message and collapsing from exhaustion. This event later inspired the modern-day marathon race, which covers the same distance.

The idiom is derived from the contrast between a sprint, which is a short and intense burst of speed, and a marathon, which requires endurance and stamina over a long distance. It is often used to remind individuals that certain tasks or goals require sustained effort and perseverance, similar to the endurance needed to complete a marathon race. Overall, the idiom serves as a metaphor for the need to approach challenges with patience and long-term commitment.