Are You Ready To Make A Strong Finish?

Talk about a strong finish! In their inspiring story of perserverance which ultimately led to great success and victory, the Detroit Shock won their first ever WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) championship title. USA Today told of their "worst-to-first odyssey" where the team, after winning only nine games in 2002, they finished 2003 with a league-best record and championship title. What was their formula for success? "They did not quit... they believed they could succeed and played their best... They also have a coach in whom they believe and who gives them confidence."

The Shocks championship victory is an example of what can happen through perseverence and continuing to work toward a dream. Although your goals may seem out of reach, it is too soon to quit. There is still time to make significant progress toward your goals. Following are four tips to guide you in achieving your goals for the year and making a strong finish.

Four Tips for a Successful Finish

1. REVIEW YOUR PROGRESS. Take a look at your accomplishments since the beginning of the year. Are you on track to accomplish your goals? Have you lost sight of some goals in the busy-ness of daily activities? Acknowledge the progress that you have made and determine which goals you will continue to pursue.

Ask yourself: What have I accomplished to date? Which goals are most important to me?

2. REASSESS YOUR GOALS. Are you clear about what you want to achieve? Are your goals based on your true values or on something you feel you should do or ought to do? Give yourself permission to re-define or even eliminate goals that may no longer fit.

Ask yourself: Are my goals based on my true values? What do I really want to achieve?

3. RENEW YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR SUCCESS. Are you committed to achieving your goals? Decide that you will do what it takes to be successful in accomplishing the goals that are important to you.

Ask yourself: What is one thing I can do today to strengthen my commitment?

4. GET SUPPORT IN REACHING YOUR GOALS. Any endeavor is easier and more fun when shared with another. Having a teacher, mentor or a coach who is there to nurture and support you, to offer feedback and perspective and to challenge you to do more than you could accomplish on your own will increase your likelihood for success.

Ask yourself: Who will I ask to support me in reaching my goal?

"Goals give you more than a reason to get up in the morning; they are an incentive to keep you going all day. Goals tend to tap the deeper resources and draw the best out of life." ~ Harvey Mackay

Pat Morgan, MBA and Professional Coach, has 10 years experience helping teams manage organizational and cultural change. As President of Smooth Sailing, she supports individuals and organizations in managing change, improving performance and achieving excellence both professionally and personally. She has created and led workshops and seminars for organizations such as: the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and Rotary International.

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