Many Start Strong; Few Finish Strong

World class marathon runners know that it is much more important to finish strong than to start strong. In fact, a pace difference of just five or 10 seconds per mile in the first half of a marathon can make the difference between hanging on and falling apart in the second half. Most runners feel compelled, even against their better judgment, to keep up with the pack, ignoring their own target pace. Running too fast at the beginning of a race, regardless of the distance, tires the body and burns excessive fuel early on that would be better utilized later in the race.

In business, as in marathons, it is very easy to start strong and very difficult to finish strong. We start each new year or each new project full of excitement for the promise of the desired outcome. We launch into the year with our full energy and excitement, only to encounter the inevitable obstacles that come with any great endeavor. As these obstacles knock us down and push us off track, sapping our energy, we lose sight of the original outcome and are willing to accept second best; a good outcome wins out over a best outcome.   

If you want to finish every year or every project strong, here are four key elements for pacing yourself like a world class marathon runner and optimizing your desired outcomes:

1. Use your team effectively. Winning is not all on you. Leveraging your team’s talents effectively throughout the year will carry you over the finish line.
2. Work with patient perseverance. Know that you are going to hit obstacles and difficult people. Expect them and if you can’t eliminate their impact then go around them.
3. Unload your personal baggage. We all have issues that tie us up and keep us from achieving our full potential. Dump it!
4. Have clear goals and a well thought out plan. This allows you to pace yourself by setting appropriate milestones. Judge your progress against the milestones, not against current circumstances. 

Want to bring the concepts of finishing strong to life for your team as you close out the year?  Check out Redline Racing™ for a great place to start!  Start strong and stay strong for 2012!