Other Professions

When considering professional athletes, it’s evident that each of them prepares differently depending on their sport. However, there’s a common element among them—they all prepare for the end of their game or race. For instance, American football teams practice a 2-minute drill, while runners mentally prepare themselves for the final mile. Regardless of the sport, professionals recognize the significance of the endgame, as it sets them apart from their competitors.

Your Profession

Does this principle resonate with you in your work? Have you prepared for the concluding phase of your season? It’s a known fact that professionals thrive by finishing strong.

Lauren Fleshman, an acclaimed author and one of America’s most decorated distance runners, shared her insights in her article titled “Mentally Prepare For the Last Mile of the Race.” Her recommendations for preparing for the end of the race are both mental and behavioral aspects. Here are some of her points that have been reworked to apply to our profession.

Your Work

Own it.  Be intentional with the final stretch. The goal is not just to get to the end because it will arrive regardless. It is tempting to simply succumb to being overwhelmed and take on a survival mindset—just let me get through this. But professionals focus on how they will get there—they refuse to be controlled by the last mile. Instead, professionals take control of it and own it.

Prioritize. Identify the work that demands attention and allocate time effectively. You know what has to be done. You work as a team, so plan as a team so everyone knows and stays on point. Organize, monitor and communicate so that the entire team is in sync with the priorities.

Focus: Avoid distractions. You know what they are—anything that takes you or your team away from what is important. You’ve set your priorities, now stay with the matters at hand.

Your Challenge

As a professional, you must take control of your last mile. Use these lessons from other professionals and apply them these remaining days. You have had a long season and you deserve to finish well. Like other professionals, finish strong.