Approaching the Finish Line

I have had the opportunity to hear speaker and NYT Bestselling Author Lisa Nichols tell her incredible story of never giving up. Over the years I have heard stories from clients who confessed to giving up just as they almost reached their goal. I have also talked to colleagues who were Olympians and learned what helped them persevere to the finish line and win! Those who reached the finish line told me they believed they could win! They believed that their training, skill, stamina and coaching would take them there. My clients who fessed up to giving up too soon stated that they didn't believe they could reach their goal, or their disbelief shadowed their hope. Believing in your goal, yourself and ability to reach your goal is critical to your success. I have always loved the poem by Edgar A. Guest titled "Don't Quit". I hope this brings you inspiration and a renewed belief in the importance of your goals and your ability to reach them.

Don't Quit

by Edgar A. Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit -

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with it s twists and turns.

As everyone of us sometimes learns.

And may a fellow turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup;

And he learned too late when the night came down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And when you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it sees afar'

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst, you must not quit.

Have a great day everyone!

Don’t Quit…You are almost there!

Far too often I see individuals and teams quit (a project, solving an issue, building a team) when they are almost at the finish line. Giving up certainly impacts your ability to Bounce Forward and be more resilient. I frequently saw team members who had given up on trying solving an issue just before they resolved it. Or, they compromised too early, as a solution instead of working a little harder to really resolve the challenge and move beyond it. People also give up on their goals. With the new year approaching, and knowing that individuals and businesses often set next year goals, I wanted to share a few thoughts about persistence and sticking with it to the finish line. I recently had the opportunity to hear an incredible speaker, Warren MacDonald talk about finding opportunity in adversity and succeeding through change. This gentleman modeled resilience in the face of fear, and is a great example of a person I believe has Bounced Forward™.

11 years ago Warren set out on a backpacking trip to Hinchinbrook Island, off the northeast coast of Australia and this day would change his life forever. During his climb to the summit of the islands tallest peak, he became trapped beneath a one-ton boulder in a freak rock fall. “Warren’s “test of will” lasted two days before a helicopter arrived, and he was rescued. The accident would cost him the loss of both legs, amputated at mid thigh” (credit Warren MacDonald website). Since Warren’s rescue he has been climbing mountains, ice climbing and inspiring millions around the world with his story, and powerful lessons of courage, perception, overcoming obstacles, and not giving up.

Warren shares a similar belief as me, the way you see something is everything. I have often said in my presentations, that sometimes it is the way we look at a situation or perceive a problem is in fact the problem. Warren reminds us to pay close attention to how we perceive a situation, because how you look at an obstacle determines how you move through it, or around it.

As you move forward into a brand new year, take a close look at your goals, you may be much closer to success than you think. If your perception is stopping you, take time to change your perception and create a different plan to bounce forward. In my latest book, Bounce Forward, I also talk about the importance of taking daily action towards your resilience. The more resilient you are, the better able you are to cope with life’s challenges.

To find out more about my incredible friend Warren MacDonald, please visit his website at:

http://www.warren-macdonald.com