The Last Lap of Any Race is the Hardest
"Starting strong is good. Finishing strong is EPIC." ~Robin Sharma
Time for some real talk.
Until recently, I’ve been a world-class starter when it comes to projects. I love the energetic high I get when I have new ideas, flesh out concepts, and dream big.
Being immersed in the beginning stages of the creative process lights me up like fireflies glowing in a July nighttime sky.
But as a project wears on, it's easy to be distracted by the next shiny object. And follow-through to the end seems... hard (hint: it is). It feels as if I’m wearing cement sneakers on that last lap.
Can you relate?
The excitement you feel when something is new - goals, relationships, tangibles - gives you a dopamine hit as you imagine the limitless possibilities laid out in front of you.
It’s the intoxicating promise of peace, joy, love, or freedom.
Being a finisher requires a different set of skills than being a starter. So how do you set yourself up for success?
Clarity. Pacing. Reward.
When you clarify your actual end goal and the why behind it, you create focus and clear your path from distractions. It becomes much easier to say ‘No’ to temptations that don’t meet your criteria.
Set yourself up for achievable daily wins. Keep it to three tasks. Make them small, actionable, and specific.
Know when to sprint. Distance runners learn that short bursts take them further, faster, and without wearing down their resolve. Pacing with an easy gait for periods in the middle of your project helps conserve energy for the all-out sprint at the end.
Set “mile-marker” objectives along the way with target dates to keep you accountable.
Finally, reward yourself as you go. Rewards help break up the monotony of routine and mundane tasks along the way. As you move towards the final stretch, make sure you gather your true fans! Let your tribe's cheers help carry you to the end.
Your brain learns the healthy habit of positive reinforcement as you reward yourself for finishing what you set out to accomplish.
And, for heaven’s sake, give yourself some grace. Expect some bumps along the way. Insert a little playfulness when things get too serious. Stay focused on your end goal. Remember, small bites add up to big wins when you finish as strong as you start.
Finishers have tenacity. See you on the other side of the finish line!