Wow, where has 2023 gone? We are in the fourth quarter of 2023. The familiar quote, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint” comes to mind when I think of finishing strong. Marathons take longer to complete and require preparation and training to endure longer than sprints, which are shorter. Life is truly a marathon and requires you to endure to the end and finish strong.
Guess what, there is still time in 2023 to finish strong. The year is not over. The game is not over. If you have fallen, get back up. If you are stuck, get moving. There is still time, it is not over. To finish strong, become doers of the Triple AAA and apply them to life’s marathon:
Assess
Doing a self-assessment or check-in to evaluate where you are in terms of goals, aspirations, actions, to-do lists, etc. is a requirement. When you assess your life, you celebrate successes. Remember, small wins count. Check out the sample self-assessment questions. When answered, they should provide good insight and clarity on the next steps:
- Describe the goal(s) that you would like to achieve?
- What are your immediate priorities to accomplish the goal(s)?
- Why is the goal(s) important to you?
- What does success look like?
- How would achieving this goal(s) benefit you?
Attain
Knowing what specific resources, you will need is key to attaining the desired goal. Resources can be physical, human, financial, or even time. If your goal is to start your own business, your resources may include a physical resource such as a location, start-up funds for the business, and even human resources such as an assistant. A good practice is to create a list and brainstorm all things needed to achieve the goal.
Below are suggestions to assist you to attain:
- Seek a coach, mentor, or accountability partner.
- Enhance skillsets via a training course, webinar, podcast, etc.
- Expand professional network or connection with industry experts.
- Identify stretch opportunities that increase skills and competencies.
Action
You are ready to work on the plan and do the specific actions/behaviors needed to achieve the goal and finish. Actions should address what you plan to do (behaviors) and how you plan to achieve the goal. Include timeframes to help you measure the process.
It is never too late for the Triple AAA method in your life. “Life is truly a marathon, not a sprint,” and it requires you to assess, attain, and act on goals and aspirations. When life throws you a curveball or knocks you out, get back up and continue to press forward.
You can do it. Do not give up. No matter how long it takes, you finish…There is still time… Finish Strong!
Written by Dr. Joi L. Brown
Waldorf, MD USA