A week before our family took off for a couple of months of travel this past summer, my wife broke her knee in an unfortunate surfing accident.

That’s tough for anyone, but my wife is a runner, had been training for months, and was in peak condition. So, this was a major setback for her.

Naturally, she was eager to get back on her feet and started physical therapy as soon as she could.

Watching her navigate that process was fascinating because, as it turns out, there are some powerful parallels between physical therapy and building a business.

This week, I’m sharing five things I learned from her recovery and how they can help you build and grow a successful business.

1. Some Things Just Take Time—Trying to Rush Slows You Down

Athletes and entrepreneurs alike tend to be impatient. We want results yesterday.

In physical therapy, my wife had days where she felt like she wasn’t making progress and wanted to push harder. But pushing harder than recommended would’ve worsened her condition and slowed her overall recovery.

It’s the same in business.

When progress stalls, it’s tempting to double down on time, effort, and resources—only to find nothing changes. Or worse, you’ve made things harder.

That’s because sometimes, getting results takes more time, not more effort.

Whether it’s building a sales pipeline or rehabbing a knee, some things can’t be rushed.

Be patient, and you’ll often find results come faster than if you try to force them.

2. Progress Can Be Painful

Physical therapy isn’t exactly fun. In fact, progress can be downright painful.

That pain, though, is often the best feedback that you’re moving forward.

It’s no different in business: growth can be painful.

The systems, processes, and team structures that got you to one level won’t necessarily get you to the next. Every new level of growth brings fresh challenges.

But just like physical therapy, that discomfort is a sign of progress, not something to avoid. Embrace it.

The more you lean into those growing pains, the faster you’ll adapt and reach the next level.

3. Small, Repetitive Actions Compound Over Time

In physical therapy, my wife’s routine involved small, repetitive movements that didn’t seem like much.

They were boring, but over time, those tiny actions compounded into real progress.

The same thing happens in business.

We’re often tempted by shiny new ideas—a bold marketing campaign, a new product, or an attention-grabbing rebrand.

But real, sustainable growth comes from small, consistent actions: following up with leads, refining your processes, and improving your service bit by bit.

These actions might not trigger that dopamine rush, but they’re the backbone of a strong business.

4. Address the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

One of the most interesting parts of my wife’s recovery was this: her knee pain wasn’t just about her knee. She had to strengthen her hips and core for a full recovery.

Treating only the symptom wouldn’t have fixed the problem.

It’s no different in business.

Maybe you’re struggling to get leads, and you think it’s a marketing problem. But the real issue might be that your offer isn’t aligned with your market’s needs.

Or you’re facing burnout, and you think you need more help. But the core issue might be that you’re wasting time on things that don’t move the needle.

Distinguishing between symptoms and root causes is essential to unlocking the full potential of your business.

It’s the difference between running a business that spins its wheels and one that moves forward with focus and momentum.

5. The Power of Great Support

Watching my wife navigate her recovery made it clear how important great support is.

Her physical therapist didn’t just create a plan—they made sure she followed it, adjusted based on her progress, and helped set realistic expectations of progress.

That guidance was critical to her recovery.

In business, having a coach, consultant, or community that supports you and holds you accountable can make all the difference.

They help you stick to your plan, adjust course when needed, and avoid common pitfalls.

Having that external perspective can mean the difference between slow, painful progress and building a business with efficiency and clarity.

Final Thoughts

Building a business, much like recovering from an injury, requires patience, consistency, and the willingness to endure some discomfort.

You can’t rush the entire process, but with the right systems, support, and mindset, real results will follow.

So if you’re feeling stuck or impatient, remember: that may not necessarily be a bad thing.

You might be exactly where you need to be.

Progress comes from continuing to show up, put in the (sometimes boring) work, and endure some pain.

Hope it helps.

Hasta la vista,

RJG

P.S. - My wife’s knee is recovering well, and she’ll be back to kicking my ass in running in no time.