Anonymous
“Your level of success is determined by your level of discipline and perseverance”
I am not a runner.
Several years ago I thought it would be a good idea to train and run a local four mile race.
The day of the race came, the starting pistol fired, and I was off.
By the second mile, an older gentleman passed me wearing a t-shirt that read: You just got passed by an AARP member.
On the third mile I was struggling and soon a pack of what appeared to be small children sailed passed me.
During the last mile I almost died accidentally sucking a cup of water down my lungs. I am sure the crowd watching enjoyed seeing me coughing and gagging while trying to run (well it was more of a brisk walk at this point)
I am happy to say that I finished the race, alive. I am also happy to say that I have not ran in any more races since that one.
Why does everything seem harder in the middle?
While starting is sometimes the hard part, maintaining can be equally as challenging. This is why so many New Year’s resolutions fail. People go full force into them full of optimism, then they hit the middle. Suddenly getting up at 0600 to go to the gym is not as fun. Cutting out sugar seems like a bad idea with all the Valentine’s day chocolate floating around.
So how can you avoid the unavoidable slump in the middle?
Recognize when you’re in it.
The problem with the middle is we often don’t realize we are there. When aiming for a goal we tend to get tunnel vision and focus on the point we are immediately at. Which is usually painful.
We often forget about the progress we made to get us there. We get frustrated by looking forward and seeing how much further we need to go.
You are your worst enemy and know exactly how to sabotage your progress. When you feel yourself getting discouraged take a moment to look back on the progress you have made, use that as motivation to propel you forward.
Give yourself some small wins.
Often the middle gets tough because we may have set an overly ambitious goal or target. This is true with goals that have defined end-point. Like I will lose x– number of pounds or run x– number of miles by a certain date.
Those are admirable goals, but they can also set you up for the slump in the middle. With any goal you can reach a plateau where it gets harder to move forward. This is where the discouragement often sets in
Instead of setting a static number as a goal try establishing incremental steps that will get you there.
Instead of saying I will lose 20 pounds by June 1, try starting with I will lose 5 pounds a month by June 1. This minimizes your time in the middle and also gives you more frequent celebration points along the way.
Don’t Give Up
Realize that the middle is temporary.
That’s why it’s the middle, not the end. The worse mistake is to make the middle become the end, by prematurely throwing in the towel.
Whether its school, a weight loss journey, stopping smoking, getting in shape, your job whatever. You are going to experience a middle.
Hang in there!
Find a partner who has gone through a similar journey and have them hold you accountable and be a source of encouragement.
Find a partner who wants to go on the journey with you. You may each have a different middle experience and can provide support.
The Finish Line
After the middle comes the final lap the point where the finish line is squarely in your sights. The pure joy of reaching your goal will quickly erase any misery you felt in the middle.
Recognize the Middle
Establish Small Wins
Don’t Give Up
Remember this and keep moving forward, because while it’s no fun in the middle, it’s a necessary step to achieve success.
Think about your life and where you are currently in the middle?
This changed my life