Sweat for success

Purpose - The aim of this study is to conceptualise and test the role of physical exercise and entrepreneurial grit as a critical personal resource in maintaining entrepreneurs' well-being and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach - This study uses data from multiple sources collected at different points in time. It combines self-reported data collected from a sample of 203 entrepreneurs with lagged objective financial performance data of their firms over 4 years. Using structural equation modelling the authors describe the effects of grit and different types of physical exercise on entrepreneurs' well-being and firm performance. Findings - The study finds that grit mediates the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical exercise and the entrepreneur's well-being. The authors also demonstrate a non-linear effect between exercise and subjective well-being, suggesting diminishing returns of exercise at very high levels. Finally, the study finds that the entrepreneur's well-being has a significant impact on organisational performance over time. Originality/value - This study's theorising and empirical testing integrates disparate strands of literature on entrepreneurial well-being and firm performance by clarifying the micro-processes at the entrepreneur level that influence firm performance in the long term.