Are You Ready to Finish Strong in the Fourth Quarter?

October marks the beginning of the fourth quarter. Often, when we hear references to being in the fourth quarter, we think of sports. The fourth quarter is usually when the players put everything on the line to win the game. If they have already done well, they continue to sprint forward; if they are behind, they muster up all the energy they can to win the game. We can look at life using the same metaphor. No matter how things have gone thus far for you throughout the year, you still have time to achieve your goals and win the game for your life. If you are a little behind, you may have to put in some extra work and hours to get there, but you must ask yourself whether you are ready to end the year strong.

As I begin to reflect on my goals and the things I want to achieve before the end of the year, I am looking at them from two different perspectives. When I start to evaluate where I am regarding my progress, I first must consider if my goals are multi-year, then I must use a telescope approach. However, if the goals I want to complete are short-term, then I can use a microscope approach. Both instruments and processes give different perspectives that can help make our journey more manageable. The telescope approach allows us to look at the big picture and see things from a high level. This can help see what specific items or pieces need to be completed before moving on to the next. It not only gives us perspective but also can help us stay organized. The microscope approach is used to see things closely and what is of immediate attention. Both are necessary and will keep you on track.

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time with a childhood girlfriend who happens to be a doctor, scientist, and United States astronaut. After a brief discussion about space and the various stars in the sky, she brought out this amazing laser pointer that would put any PowerPoint pointer to shame. The pointer she used literally could reach each star she was pointing out to us, and she also shared that she had to be careful not to point it at any aircraft because it would create problems. While pondering my thoughts for this article, I saw some of the same particulars regarding accomplishing and completing our goals. When we become laser-focused and keep our eyes on what we need to see, we have a better chance of getting them done. However, when we get distracted by other things around us or in the atmosphere, it will take us off our course, get us in trouble, and cause problems. When working on a goal or project, you should keep the end in mind and backtrack to see what it will take to complete it. The key to success is staying focused and disciplined to do what needs to be done.

Steve Jobs said, “Great things are never done by one person. They are usually done by a team of people. If finishing strong is important to you, you might need a little help, so assemble a team that can help you identify what may be blocking you from accomplishing your goals and finishing strong. Whether that is just finding a trusted friend to keep you accountable regularly or it may be a coach or specialist in your field who can help you see the blind spots that may be holding you back. Whatever the case, do your best and be determined to make the fourth quarter your best quarter of the year so you can finish strong! #FinishStrong 

Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.