A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to run a marathon while visiting New Zealand. During the preparation for, and the running of this race, I learned a number of lessons that apply both to life and to work. The lessons I learned have to do with the ability to establish, put in place, and complete effective goals for my life. The last of these lessons is discussed here.

The end of the marathon is locked indelibly in my mind. I can still remember barely making it through the last couple of miles. I was 27 years old at the time of the race, but I can still myself struggling to put one foot in front of the other as I slogged my way towards the end. At one point I had a woman in her 70’s run right past me with the following encouragement, "You can make it honey!" Very discouraging to say the least.

But after what seemed to be days, I saw the finish line! I remembered that there were to be finish line photos for everyone so I stepped up my pace and actually look pretty good in the picture. As I came over the finish line I remember hearing someone say, "Quick! Somebody help that man." I turned around and found no one behind me. Their concern turned out to be me. A man came up next to me and put his arm around my shoulders. I told him that I was OK and did not need his help. I then passed out from exhaustion in his arms! I woke up a few minutes later in a warming tent with my race T-shirt next to my head. I went to bed that night never wanting to run again.

The next morning I awoke to someone knocking on my hotel room door. It was some of my running friends asking me if I wanted to go for a short jog. I could barely get out of bed, let alone run. I told them "No". They said "Yes". I went for a five mile run that morning. It turned out to be the best thing I could have done. It worked out all of my soreness as well as my poor attitude towards exercising. It was good to capitalize on achieving my goal and to position myself for future events. To date I have not run any other long races, but I know that I can and still run recreationally to keep fit.

For those organizations that are able to stay focused on the goal and reach it, this idea of continuing forward is also important. It is imperative that a celebration occur and recognition provided to those who helped make it happen. But it is equally important that you use this success to continue to move forward and to maintain momentum.

Too many people believe that business is a sprint and are not in it for the long haul. Consider these five lessons learned from my life’s race and put them to use in yours.

1. Count the costs
2. Practice, practice, practice
3. When things get tough, speed up!
4. Conquering the two toughest parts – the start and the finish
5. Continue on after reaching the goal

I wish you success in every aspect of your life!