Finish Strong
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Written by: Joi Brown, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Wow, where has 2021 gone? We are in the fourth quarter of 2021. It’s time for a 2021 check-in. Reflect on the following questions:
Describe in three words how your 2021 has been for you?
What were your goals and aspirations for this year?
What things are hindering you from finishing strong in 2021?
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 2021 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’s 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. Are you the type of person that just goes and goes without taking time to assess where you are or what you have done? If so, it’s time for a check-in.
When you assess your life, you celebrate successes. Remember, small wins count. Identify new goals and aspirations that you would like to accomplish or point out challenges and/or barriers.
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, or financial, and 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. In this process, write down the first things that come to mind.
Below are suggestions to assist you to attain:
Seek a coach, mentor, or accountability partner
Attend a training course, webinar, or conference
Watch a podcast, Ted Talks, or a video
Expand professional network or connection with industry experts
Identify stretch opportunities that increase skills and competencies
Action
It’s time to work the plan and finish strong.
Goals have been assessed
Resources have been identified
You are ready to work 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. Here is how you can apply the Triple AAA to your life in this self-care goal example:
Assess: Increase self-care and have more of a balance and plan to do at least 30 minutes of self-care.
Attain: Identify the following resources: devotional books, soft music, or schedule a massage, etc.
Action: Wake up at least 30 minutes earlier for devotional time before work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
It’s never too late for the Triple AAA method in your life.
Assess-what are the current or desired goals
Attain-what resources will be required
Action-what specific behaviors or actions are needed
“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. Don’t give up. No matter how long it takes, you finish…There is still time… Finish Strong!
Joi Brown, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Joi Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of 3EEE Consulting, where she educates, equips, and empowers people through coaching, conversations, and workshops. Her expertise is in career and entrepreneur development, conflict resolution, goal setting, health and wellness, leadership and team development, and personal and professional branding. Joi is truly walking in her purpose helping to educate, equip, and empower people to unlock their passion, purpose, and potential.
