Finish It

As I pause from working on a couple projects, the only thing I have in my mind is finish it. This is something I scream at track meets when the person I am cheering for is nearing the end of the race. I yell it at my daughter's volleyball games when the score is close, and I need the team to follow through and be consistent all the way to the last point. I am also repeating it in my mind daily because in this very moment it is the most important thing. I have to finish.

I am learning that in some races, in some life tasks, it's more important to finish then it is to win. I am not trying to be better than anyone else, my goal is not to surpass anyone doing something similar, my goal is to finish. It's the long processes, the thing you have worked on for months or even years that takes the most energy because they require endurance, and I don't know if you have ever ran a long distance race, but it's the end that is the most difficult. The goal is to store just enough energy for a burst at the end, but how do you prepare for a cross country run when you do not know the distance or the type of obstacles you will encounter?

I think the first thing to consider, is never underestimate the process. I have a tendency to minimize the difficulty of things to motivate myself to start things I am afraid of. Yes, it helps you start, but it does not always help you finish. When you trick your mind to believe something will be easy and half way through the process you realize that it was a trick, the temptation to quit is so much greater. It is better to be realistic and acknowledge your weaknesses and potential struggles in the beginning so that you are better prepared and you can identify where you need support. I am kicking myself right now because I definitely underestimated my process.

The second thing to consider is somethings take more time then others. Gradual acceleration is so much better then diving full force into something new. It does not leave enough space for the unexpected, and ultimately you end up wasting time and energy. When I have to tackle something big, I am still learning to slow down. I have taken the deep dive out of fear, fear I won't start, fear of inadequacy, and fear that people would notice that I am not as confident as I seem. My pivot game is strong, but I would rather be more thoughtful about the moves I make because one thing I cannot replace is time. I want the things that I invest my time in to last.

One of the most important things to consider is rest is a part of the journey. I struggle with this because how can I rest when I am staring at a deadline, an unfinished to do list, and I am surrounded by people that need something from me? I produce the best, when I am my best. My best is centered, at peace in my mind and heart, minimized anxiety, and when I make time for the things that I love that help me relax. When I become anxious, overwhelmed, or nervous, it means my rest tank is empty, and I have to step away to reset. This rarely involves a trip to the spa, a full self-care day, or hopping on a plan. Resets for rest for me is journaling, taking a walk, and slowing down to assess where I am emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Rest comes when I consciously make myself and what I need a priority.

Just like the woman in the picture I am sweaty, tired, and in the trenches. There are people cheering on the sidelines, but this one I have to complete myself. The end is in sight, but there are more hurdles to jump, there's a tree to climb, there are other obstacles that I cannot see, but I am almost there. I want to encourage you to finish. There is opportunity on the other side of the finish line, there is purpose, and there is a sense of accomplishment that no one can take from you. Finish it.