Off to a Good Start...But with No End in Sight

90% of the game is half mental.
Yogi Berra

Marathon runners are a very special breed of people. They’re special because of the limits that they push their bodies in a 26.2 mile race; limits that not only test the endurance of the human body, but the power of the will to go on despite the minds rejection of the endeavor and the spirits despair at the daunting task of a finish line unseen.

At what mile mark do most runners quit a marathon? If you are like me, you would probably say the 5th or 10th mile; when the finish line seems so far away and the body’s strain is beginning to anticipate the excruciating pain to come.

But like most things in life, a seemingly simple matter such as the question of when most runners quit running in a marathon race, is not as easily answered as first thought.

It is Important to Get off to a Good Start when Setting out to Run a Race

Aside from the first mile, the 26th is when the least amount of people quit the race. I think the reason that this is true stems from a simple explanation of line-of-sight, or vision for the finish line, where the power of the mind can push the body beyond normal physical limits by way of a clear goal toward the future.

It is important to get off to a good start at the beginning of a race. If a person is to have any chance of success at something, a clear picture of the end in mind is very important in order to start strong and committed, no matter the challenge or the goal. So the beginning of a task, such as the first mile in a 26.2 mile marathon, witnesses very few people quitting because a runners vision of the finish line is so fresh and untested.

Most runners don’t quit at the first mile or so of a marathon because of fresh line-of-sight to the goal…And most marathon runners don't quit during the final mile, the 26th mile either, because they have a vision of where they are going; a vision that is tangible, palpable and real…a vision they can actually see. Sure, they are physically exhausted, but their vision fuels them and tells them to keep going to reach their destination; their prize..

If There is No End in Sight…There’s No End in Sight

Most runners quit a marathon at the 20th mile, a rather strange point it seems to be quitting. Think of the personal investment made by the runner up this point; all the pain, tolerance and sheer will power to keep going just to stop short of the finish line. Why? I think the answer goes back to the original discussion of vision and having a clear line of sight to the goal.

When We Lose Sight of the Prize, the Finish Line…Quitting Makes Sense

When we lose sight of the prize, we lose sight of our purpose and motivation to continue on. If there is no end in sight for the runner, there is no end in sight that can be achieved. Even though a person may be invested both physically and mentally in a given endeavor; invested to the point at which it seems impossible to ever want to give up; it happens. When goals fade away and a vision for the future dissipates, no measure of personal power will sustain the effort to move forward and take another step.

Where there is no vision the people perish.

This underscores an important principle that is a key to success, health and happiness.

That important principle is this:

You must keep your vision alive and stay mentally, emotionally and spiritually fit in order to prosper as an agent, a business owners, husband, wife, father, mother and individual. Know your business plan and envision for yourself what it is you want your agency, or small business, to be known for and remembered for.

After all, there will be days when your body will say no while the mind has to say yes. There will be times when it seems that everything in life conspires to sabotage your goals and dreams. And there will be weeks or even months when you feel like you are hitting the 20th mile. Don’t stop. Keep your eye on the vision of what you want for your business and for you family.

The answer to running the race is to maintain your vision and focus on the finish line. Keep your vision alive and it will keep you alive. Don't give up. Keep striving towards the vision planted in your mind and heart.

In closing, here's a simple 3 step process to keep your vision alive.

1. Write it Down…Write down your vision for your life and career. I heard it once said, If you think it, ink it! That’s good advice. Agents who force themselves to write down their goals end up accomplishing those goals more readily than if they hadn’t.

2. Know your WHY. Why is this vision significant to you? What do you hope for? What is the bigger reason for your vision? Your why is your purpose. You must know your purpose or vision in life. Vision without purpose is like trying to drive a car without an address for a destination.

3. Review your Why statements on a weekly, if not daily, basis. Remember, if you keep your vision alive it will keep you alive.

Purpose fuels your vision and it fuels you. Write down your WHY and your vision for the future will stay clear.

Copyright © 2009 - Tony Cefalu