Cross The Finish Line
Prelude
When I was in 6th Grade, I was on the Rim Country Middle School Track & Field Team. During this time, I competed in a variety of events including the high jump, shot put, 1 mile race and finally, my personal favorite and best: the 400 meter race.
During an “away meet” against a highly competitive school, I set out on the 400! At first, I was neck and neck at the front of the pack with another girl from the competing school. I dug deep and pushed as hard as I could to get ahead but she stayed with me every step of the way. As we rounded the bend at the 300 meter mark, the girl from the competing school was pulling away from me at a pace that I couldn’t keep up with. It became apparent to me that I wasn’t going to win… and I slowed down.
Yep! With 100 meters to go, I gave up. My youthful ambition was crushed as I began to realize that I wouldn’t take 1st place and my reputation as a formidable competitor would surely forever be ruined. I threw in the towel and cruised to the finish line where I was met by my coach, Dave, who pulled me off the track and said, “Are you hurt?”
I replied “No, Coach.”
“Ok. Don’t ever give up like that again or you’ll see the bench for the rest of the season. You’re a champion, Mary. I expect to see you go 110% all the way across the finish line, even if you’re in last place. I’ll never be disappointed if you get beaten by someone who simply outperforms you — That’s sports. But I am disappointed today because you lost the race, by giving up. Now go get some water, and good luck in your next event.”
For those of you who played sports growing up, you know that the sting of a coaches disappointment is arguably worse than a parents — it’s almost unbearable.
In that moment, Coach Dave taught me one of the most valuable life lessons that I’ve carried with me through the years, and relayed to others at every opportunity. And if there’s one thing about me that has lead to any measure of success, it’s this…
I never throw in the towel.
Giving 110%
We all have heard the saying that giving it our best shot is all that matters. But what does it mean to do your best? To give 110%? Why does it matter? The truth is, we live in a competitive world where success comes only to those who put in the hard work and the effort. It might not always bring results, and you might not always end up winning, but striving for excellence is what counts. In this blog post, we'll dive into why giving it your all and never slowing down until you've crossed the finish line matters — in your personal and professional life.
As a young professional, giving it your all is essential for developing your own skills and abilities. You might not always achieve what you want, but every challenge that you tackle helps you grow in unexpected ways. The skills that you develop from working hard, such as problem-solving, resourcefulness, and resilience, will serve you well in virtually any situation. In addition, when you have a never-say-die attitude, people take notice. When your peers, your colleagues, or your boss see that you're willing to go that extra mile, they'll naturally believe in your talents and abilities even more. So, even if you don't quite nail the objective, you'll still be viewed as someone who is driven, focused, and committed. The sense of pride and confidence that comes from knowing that you overcame every obstacle along the way and did everything in your control to succeed can be incredibly empowering. It's a feeling that can help galvanize you for your next challenge.
As a leader, It’s important to remember that the impact of your actions and your attitude goes beyond you. It can help inspire others to dig deep, put in the work, and strive for greatness. Motivation is contagious. Giving 110% to whatever it is you’re doing encourages those around you to do the same. When you put in the work, it shows. People are drawn to individuals who are passionate, dedicated, and diligent. You might not always be at the top of your game, but when you're in the arena, giving it your all, people will want to come with you!
If you want a team that hungers for excellence, it starts with you.
Conclusion
110% is a commitment. if you want to be a champion, you can’t flip flop on this principle and only work hard when you know you’re going to win big. The road to success is never easy, but it's always worth it. Giving it your all is not only essential for achieving your goals, but it's also for personal growth and development. The qualities of perseverance, dedication, and resilience that you cultivate when putting your best foot forward can help you navigate life's many challenges. At the end of the day, you are your biggest competition. If you can genuinely say that you gave it your best shot, then you have already won.