Run Through the Tape

With the end of the year in sight, those who have been successful have a tendency to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. They feel that they can start up again at the start of the New Year, and want to be well rested.

That kind of thinking is dangerous for the individual and business. For once the exertion of effort necessary to be successful is withdrawn, it is never as easy to resume the activity or realize the same level of success. I have seen individuals; organizations and businesses suffer the consequences from this in spite of applying every known technique.

The primary analogy I want to use in order to explain this phenomenon is a track race. Regardless of distance, every race begins with a burst of energy and then the racers implement their individual strategies for winning. Often the person who takes the lead and sets the pace doesn’t end up winning the race.

At the finish line of every race a ribbon like tape is stretched across the track, approximately chest high. Every runner knows that whoever reaches the tape first is the victor.

What happens if the leading runner slows down to hit the tape first, but doesn’t plan on going past it? This results in another racer passing the leader because he doesn’t slow down his efforts until after he has run through the tape. The similarity in business is to the worker who slows down at the end of the year with the plan of renewing his effort at the beginning of the next year or race.

In track, every runner is coached to focus, concentrate and race all out until they have run through the tape. Only then, is it acceptable to slow down to determine if they were victorious. In the business world, the person who runs through the tape will not only succeed more in the current year, but position themselves better to begin the New Year on a path to success and reveal to management that they are an exceptional employee.

For those in sales, it is always more difficult to begin creating a new pipeline of prospective customers than it is to work an existing pipeline. Running through the tape provides that existing pipeline of prospects for the sales rep to successfully begin their New Year.

Even if you’re not in sales or in a business that directly reward production, the principle applies. As previously stated, but worthy of additional emphasis, the employee who maintains their successful habits, is a team player, and helps the business by running through the tape with their efforts all year long will be highly valued in any organization.

Whatever your endeavor, I encourage you to always give your best effort. Don’t let the habits of others deter you from focusing your energy on accomplishing your goal or dream. And, regardless of the adversity or setbacks you experience, NEVER QUIT until the tape has been broken and the race is won.

© 2006 Richard V. Battle