Touching the finishing Line

 Touching the finishing Line

Many of us start an activity with a great deal of energy, discussing its importance and how fulfilling it will feel once we accomplish it. However, during the execution, some people slow down, some stop working towards their goals, and some give up in the final stages. Few actually reach their desired outcomes. During my interactions with participants to understand the reasons behind this, I identified several key factors:

• It was easy to start, but challenging to continue.
•  I lost interest over time.
• Priorities changed.
• Too many distractions came up.
• The final stage proved to be challenging to complete.

I decided to engage with individuals who had accomplished their goals, and they shared some valuable suggestions to overcome these challenges:

1. It was easy to start, but challenging to continue: The achievers advised that as we begin, we should also anticipate the challenges we might face and develop action plans to overcome them. By being proactive, we prepare our minds to confront obstacles, enabling us to make gradual progress toward our goals.

2. I lost interest over time: They suggested listing the benefits you will gain from achieving your goals and visualizing those benefits. For instance, by imagining your toned body and healthy lifestyle, you will realize the need to stay motivated while walking to the gym.

3. Priorities changed: It’s essential to remember why you initially considered your goal a priority. If new responsibilities have taken precedence, assess their importance. If they are genuinely significant, you can set your goal aside temporarily. However, it’s not wise to abandon your aspirations entirely—it's better to delay them than to deny your dreams.

4. Too many distractions came up: Just as you encounter various vehicles while traveling, distractions will arise. This doesn’t mean you should stop pursuing your journey. Instead, please find a way to navigate through them, whether by changing your approach or seeking assistance from others. Identify the most critical task at hand, prioritize it, and temporarily park other distractions until you've accomplished your main goal.

5. The final stage proved to be challenging to complete: It's essential to recognize that the last stage often determines success. The difference between a winner and a loser can be just a few seconds or minutes. Ironically, those who give up at the last moment often don’t realize that they are so close to finishing—when 90% of the race is behind them, why stop when only 10% remains? Acknowledge this truth and prepare yourself for the final stages of your journey.

Reflect on these points, identify your challenges, and start working on them to see yourself as an achiever rather than someone who stops short of their goals.

M.L. Narendra Kumar