The Journey  >  The Finish Line

The finish line looks great, it’s the sexy thing that everyone talks about, but if you’ve ever set a goal for yourself and worked hard to achieve it, you know that crossing the finish line is not where the magic happens. The magic is in the struggle, the hardship, the growth, the expanded knowledge that we gain. During our journey is when we grow. That’s when we’re pushed the hardest.

We’ve all known people who seem to sail through life, landing the job they want, the great relationship, the expensive car, they’re happy. On the flip side, there are those people who struggle with sticking to their goals and often are unable to create the wealth, happiness and life they desire.

Your personal journey may seem like a jungle. It’s easy to become lost, overwhelmed, and you feel like simply lying down and quitting. Don’t.

Sure, external factors play a part in anyone’s success, but I believe that most of the determinants of failure or success reside within us. The individuals who have continued to push through adversity and reach the other side are the ones who have all the rewards. Most people back down when they face adversity, or feel they have no other option but to return to their previous state. That’s not true. We become better versions of ourselves when we experience struggle or hardship and come through on the other side.

Embrace the journey, it’s rough, it’s difficult, but that’s where the magic happens because the individuals who continue to push through the challenges are the ones who reap the rewards.— I have done over 300 bike races and many of them internationally.  The best part is always the finish line but the real challenges happen on the journey, on the training days and the moments when I feel as if I want to give up. Those same struggles prepare me for the end goal.  

I’ve coached, taught and spoken with many people trying to make good lives for themselves, and I think these strategies will help you when you’re about to give up:

Ignite your motivational self-talk, “Why do I want to achieve this?” Reflect on the reasons you’re on this path and why it’s so important to you.

Think about how you’ll feel when you’ve overcome your obstacles and achieved your goal(s) – pretty darn amazing.

Where will you be in 5 years if you don’t do this, if you give up on your goals now, what will it cost you in the future?

Where are the lessons? Difficult situations always provide a teaching moment. The more you focus on the lesson you’re learning from your struggle, the quicker you’ll move forward.