Author Todd Henry says “the lag” is the gap between cause and effect. When you have a goal or vision, you set out to get there and begin the work or journey, and that voice in your head starts to say “What are you doing here? Why are you doing this? This is hard!”
Like on June 2 when I am in a 540-mile race across a 110-degree rock-strewn rough desert. It seemed like a good idea in the beginning. Fifteen hours in, maybe not so much, or not at all.
What do you do? Keep going. Keep thinking about your goal being completed. Make continuous progress. Keep taking next steps. “I can make it to the next pit in 22 miles.” “I can write this next chapter today.” “I can layout the next wall.” “I can call Gayle and set up a meeting.”
Big pursuits will have lags to discourage you and try to make you quit. You have to say “No way!” and fight back by moving forward.
I just completed a project yesterday. I started knowing that time would be tight. I couldn’t compromise quality so there was nothing to do but plan on working twelve to fourteen hours a day. I’ve done long hours but added to this was the weather was always over ninety, I’m working on this outside. It’s humid. It’s raining . There are mosquitos. So they got me a little pop up tent, fans helped with the bugs. My schedule was locked in and do u couldn’t change my flight, another project starting right after and all I kept in my mind is the fact that in 45 years of working I have never as in NEVER missed a deadline and I wasn’t going to let it happen now. finished last night with an hour of daylight to spare. Yes, I felt that lag, Larry, and had to fight hard to stop it from overwhelming me. Personal battles won is where my strength come from.
The Lag…. Often seems to come after a long weekend. Long enough away from your groove that it is not so groovy anymore. Thank you!!!! This is perfect timing, one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. I have big big goals, and I am a leader and I must lead. What I do today affects my family, my employees and my future. In order to accomplish the goals I have set I must keep moving forward!
This is really good advice and I like that it is so easy to relate to. It is great to be reminded and I take solace in the fact that I am not alone in my struggles to succeed. Thanks Larry.