Big goals are intimidating. In your company, employees may start with enthusiasm, then feel overwhelmed, stall out, and lack confidence that they’ll ever get to goal. Yet you know that they have the necessary skills, and wonder how to rally them to finish.
When you jump enough hurdles and win enough races to make it to the Olympics, winning is about what’s going on in your head. These remarkable athletes have done all the training. They’ve worked with the best coaches. They’ve made the sacrifices. When it comes to reaching the finish line first, it’s mindset that matters most.
Jamaican Olympic Gold Medal winner Usain Bolt echoed this in his interview after winning the 100 meters for the second time, saying, “It’s all about who can maintain their mental toughness.” Olympians know that during the race, it’s not about the training. It’s about what is on in their heads.
I learned this lesson in a tough triathlon that I nearly quit before the start.
Arriving at the race site outside Las Vegas, I drove the bike route as part of my final preparation. The course was mountainous. This was nothing like the Virginia hills where I trained. By the time I finished the drive, I was scared, defeated and ready to go home.
I called my coach, Michael, to tell him about my decision not to start. He tried to reassure me, telling me that he had reviewed the entire course and knew I was ready, and fully capable. Then he gave me a piece of advice that changed everything. Michael insisted that I shouldn’t look at the course in total, but in segments of 100 yards. Any point, I only had to figure out how to make it through the next 100 yards. Looking ahead at the summit was a recipe for defeat.
I wasn’t entirely convinced, but decided to give it a try. I started the “next hundred yards” approach as soon as I mounted the bike. I soon discovered that there were dips in what seemed like precipitous climbs that provided short periods of rest. I completed the 56-mile bike segment, constantly coming back to the next hundred yards mantra, and went on to finish the final stage, a half-marathon run. Focusing only on the next 100 yards, I didn’t allow myself to worry about what was next. I stayed present and powerful. Michael was absolutely right!
What about your company team? If you can instill this mindset about sticking with the present, that can keep them moving until they finish! This is the ultimate formula for achieving major goals.
You can accelerate productivity and skyrocket enthusiasm when your employees know that their mindset is the game changer. Getting to this vital head-space eliminates the intimidation of a huge project. It also helps sustain long-term progress and pinpoint opportunities. Focus on the Next Hundred Yards to achieve your growth goals.
To learn more about The Next Hundred Yards, contact me today. I’m happy to speak to your group, conduct a workshop or offer executive coaching. Call 804-749-4100 or contact me and let’s talk about getting you to your major goals.
