Be an Anchor, Finish the Year Strong

In track and field relay races, the fourth and final runner is called the anchor. While each of the relay positions have strengths they bring to the team, the anchor leg is generally given to the fastest runner of the bunch. In longer relays, like the 4x400, the anchor even “kicks it” during the final section of their leg as they round the last corner, hoping for the strongest finish possible while other runners may be losing steam.

Ensuring a strong ending makes all the difference when you’re dealing in milliseconds and photo-finish wins. Sha’Carri Richardson, the fastest woman on Earth and the anchor for the U.S. Women’s 4x100 race, is known for her iconic poses and reactions when she finally crosses the finish line and wins a race for her team. She reminds us that finishing strong is key to reaching our goals.

As the final quarter of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time to buckle down on our objectives and focus on ending the year strong. This is the time to determine our new goals so we can begin exciting new adventures next year successfully.

To be the anchor and finish the last leg of this year strong-   

1. Look at the Big Picture

When you get to the end of the year, look at the big picture you envisioned back in January. It’s easy to lose momentum, remember how exciting those goals were nine months ago? Ask yourself: What was your motivation when you set them? Do the same reasons still move you?

But life happens. Some things are pushed to the side, and other things swoop in and take priority. Often, there’s not much to do except push forward. What will allow us to finish the year strong is to think about our goals as they fit into the grand scheme of things. What is crucial to accomplish? What will push us forward, continue our success, and fulfill us?

2. Identify Your Needs

Once you get in touch with your big picture goals, think about what you need to achieve them. This may be extra time on the calendar, support and accountability from friends and colleagues, or even some rest and relaxation to recharge. Sometimes people get caught in the day-to-day grind and forget what will actually help them get where they need to go.

Take the time to organize your calendar, time-block, and set boundaries around what you need for the rest of the year. You’ve still got a full quarter, after all!

3. Get the Hard Stuff Done First

If you’ve got things to achieve that seem daunting, or that have been pushing off for the majority of the year, now’s the time to tackle ‘em.

Chances are all the little unimportant things you’re filling your day with won’t get you where you need to go. As Jay and Gary write in The ONE Thing, “Not all things matter equally,”  and we must find things that matter most. Sometimes are also most difficult. By finishing the hard things first, you’ll feel invigorated to take on any other tasks. It’s like exercising in the morning so you have endorphins for the rest of the day.

4. Stay Positive and Look Toward the Future

Finally, stay positive. Having a good outlook on what you’re doing and where you’re going will help you achieve what you need to in the moment. It’s not always easy or natural to have a positive mindset, especially in a whirlwind of to-dos and struggling. But having a negative mindset won’t help. Think about future you and how good it will feel to have achieved what you set out to do. 2025 you will thank you for being the best 2024 you you could be. 

What are your plans to finish the year strong? Let us know on our Facebook page. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more educational and inspiring articles.