Resolve – Dedication – Commitment … All Essentials …

“The more intensely we feel about an idea or a goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to its fulfillment.” Earl Nightingale

This past Monday I had the opportunity to be in Boston with my family to see the Boston Marathon which was a first for all of us. 27,000 runners from all parts of the world convened with a single purpose – to do their best, in whatever manner they measured. What I was struck by was the focus on achieving their goals – their personal goals – which ranged from “just finish” to “finish in XXX.XXX time” to “best my own personal best”. As one runner would speak to another runner they would ask, ”what’s your goal?” and that became their standard of measurement. BTW, why me and the Marathon – what is the connection? See below.

Every runner had resolve, dedication, commitment and they all knew these were essentials to be in the game.

And they also had goals to meet – and exceed – and how so true in career and life. How often do you meet someone who talks about growing but stays in the same place, or complains about where they are rather than moving forward? All too common.

They don’t have goals – bet you a dime to a dollar. They haven’t had the focus yet to put their goals on paper and commit to them. Without this, they are in a game to win with no scoreboard. If you can’t keep score, you cannot win and as Peter Drucker has said “You cannot measure what you cannot measure”. One who is absent of goals flounders and they also beat themselves up. When they discover the value of goals – measurable, actionable, specific and timelined– things change.

Perhaps this is you I am describing, one of your cherished friends or loved one. If so, a formula to help move you toward your desire outcome:

(Defined and Measurable Goals) + (Both hands on the Rudder) = Achieving your desired outcome and direction

Having both hands on the rudder is that critical? Absolutely – goals set the direction – the rudder of your career or life helps you navigate toward your goals. It is like steering a ship with a destination port – the only way to get there – navigate. Try driving your car with not hands on the whets – where are you going – crash!

The Marathon connection – what was it?

I was there to cheer on, support and witness a young man who had never run a marathon before in his life, who dedicated himself to achieving a successful finish, who committed himself to rigorous training in the dead of winter on the roads of our community and who was resolved to not only finish – but finish to a specific goal. He worked his tail off, he pounded through his training. He went to Boston focused – and he finished with a great time and made all of us so proud and I have to admit, a bit teary eyed. That was dedication. That was focus. That was doing what others thought you could never do.

Who is this?

Our 38-year old son Greg who is CEO of www.Chequed.com . There was never a doubt in his mind that he wouldn’t achieve his goal. It was not an option. Seeing Greg at mile 20 when he came over and hugged his children, his wife and his mom with a smile from ear to ear and then off he went – there was nothing like it. Being so lucky to see him take the final turn toward the finish line with the same smile and that look of achievement in his eyes – as they say, priceless.

Believe you can – and set goals to do so. Be a winner Well done Greg! And thank you for reading this. - Dan


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com