In both football and finances, the running game is all about consistent effort. In football, it’s the steady, physical grind that moves the ball down the field. Some runs lead to big gains, some lead to small advances, and occasionally, you might lose a few yards. But the running game remains the foundation of a good team. The same goes for money. The running game in the financial world is all about the income you earn through hard work—whether it’s from your job, a side hustle, or your business. It’s the consistent flow of money that keeps you moving toward your financial goals.
For me, my running game comes from my job as an operations manager in the telecommunications construction industry. Every day, I put in long hours, give my emotional energy, and push through mental challenges to get the job done. It can be exhausting, but it’s my main source of income—the foundation of my financial team.
Relating Yards to Money
When I played running back in football, I knew that not every play would be a touchdown. Sometimes I’d gain a lot of yards, sometimes just a few, and other times, I might even lose yards. But the goal was always the same: move the ball forward. That’s exactly how I see my job today. My yards are the money I earn, and my carries are the hours I work.
In football, yards per carry is the stat that tells you how effective a running back is. The higher the number, the more productive the player is on each attempt. In personal finance, yards per carry is the same as your hourly pay. It’s a simple way to measure how much you’re earning for each hour of work.
How to Calculate Your Yards Per Carry
To calculate your yards per carry, take your hourly pay and multiply it by the number of hours you work each week. For example, if you earn $33 per hour and work 60 hours per week, you’re earning $33 for each carry. If you look at it this way, you’re constantly moving the ball down the field financially, one hour at a time.
For me, my yards per carry is about $33, and I typically work around 60 hours a week, which means I’m carrying the ball 60 times a week, earning money on each “carry.” The number of carries—hours I work—can vary depending on the season and workload. Sometimes, it’s a slow part of the year, and I get fewer hours. During the busy season, I may get more. The key is that I’m moving forward with each carry, working hard to earn my living.
Why the Running Game is Essential to Financial Success
In football, the running game is the backbone of a strong offense. It controls the clock, wears down the defense, and sets up the bigger plays—like passing touchdowns. Similarly, in personal finance, your income from your job or side hustle is the foundation of everything else. It’s the steady, consistent flow of money that allows you to cover your expenses, save for the future, and invest in opportunities. Without a solid running game, your financial team is going to struggle.
No matter how much money you make from other sources—like investments, passive income, or windfalls—it’s your regular, hard-earned income that keeps you in the game. Your running game is what pays the bills, funds your retirement accounts, and gives you the stability to make bigger financial plays.
Improving Your Yards Per Carry
Just like in football, where a running back works to improve their yards per carry, you can work on improving how much you earn for each hour of work. This might mean negotiating for a raise, finding ways to increase your skills, or even picking up additional side hustles to boost your income. The more effective you are with your time, the more money you can make for each carry.
Conclusion
The running game—your regular income—is the foundation of a successful financial life. By knowing your yards per carry (or hourly wage) and working consistently, you can ensure that you’re moving toward your financial goals. Just like in football, consistency in the running game sets you up for success. Each hour of work is another carry, another opportunity to move the ball forward. The stronger your running game, the better your chances of winning the financial game and building long-term success.
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