When we first start networking, it's fun and exciting. We're meeting new people, building relationships, and enjoying the feeling of helping other people. Then, somewhere along the line, we lose our enthusiasm. What you need are some ways to keep yourself motivated to network in the long term. We can learn a lot from people who run their whole lives.

The lifetime runners always find themselves eager to get out the door. You need to find fresh enthusiasm every time. You need to stick with it and go the distance over time in order to get more from networking. Here's how to build your endurance and stay motivated over time.

Have a goal
Marathon runners count down the days hours and minutes to their events (most organizers very kindly have that on their website). Nothing like knowing you've got to perform on a deadline to make you get out there and get in your practice time. Can you find a big networking event that is a few months down the road and set that as your goal? You'll need to attend other smaller ones along the way in order to practice and feel comfortable when you get to the big event.

Track the Milestones
Keep track of results and positive outcomes along the way. Try to recall how nervous you felt at your first event or how you were only able to talk to one person. When six miles or a 100-person event feels comfortable, it's hard to recall how far we've come. Make sure to appreciate what you've already accomplished. A good database will be the best evidence of the work you've done.

Loosen Up
Every once in a while, do something just for the sheer fun of it. Dean Karnazes is known as the Ultra-Marathon Man. He has run 262 miles without stopping and has done 50 marathons in 50 days. But Dean does a lot of runs where he has no goal, no mileage set, he just heads out for a fun run. Give yourself the okay to sometimes attend a networking event with no goal. Just go to something you wouldn't normally attend, just for fun.

When you're in it for the long haul, remember that you need to think of ways to keep yourself interested and motivated. Keep moving just one step at a time. When you look back, you'll be amazed and impressed with how far you've come.