100 Days Left: How Will You Finish Strong?
Taurean Meacham
Founder & Director of The Servicemen | Empowering Men Through Leadership, Resilience, and Cultural Connection
Hello LinkedIn Community,
My name is Taurean Meacham , and as of today—September 22, 2024—we are officially entering the final stretch of the year. That’s right, there are less than 100 days left on the calendar. For many of us, this marks a critical point for reflection and action. At the start of the year, we all set goals. Whether they were related to personal growth, career advancement, or health, most of us began the year with ambition and optimism. But the question today is: where do you stand on those goals?
Are you someone who has already crushed your goals and is coasting through the final quarter, or do you still have some milestones you’re trying to reach? Maybe, like many others, life threw a few curveballs your way, and now you're not quite where you expected to be. Wherever you are, there’s still time to finish the year strong—and that’s what I want to talk about today.
Setting SMART Goals
If you’re feeling like you’ve fallen behind, ask yourself: were your goals SMART? For those unfamiliar with the concept, SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These types of goals increase the likelihood of success because they bring clarity and focus. If your goals were too vague or overly ambitious without a clear timeline, it might explain why you're struggling.
For example:
- Specific: Did you clearly define your goals?
- Measurable: Can you track progress?
- Achievable: Were your goals realistic within the timeframe?
- Relevant: Did your goals align with your long-term objectives?
- Time-bound: Did you set deadlines?
If you haven’t set SMART goals, it’s not too late. Reassess and recalibrate—start now, and make the most of the last 100 days.
The Power of Positive Self-Talk
Goal setting is important, but just as critical is how you talk to yourself during this final stretch. The stories we tell ourselves matter. If you’ve been saying things like “I’ll never get this done,” or “I’ve failed this year,” I encourage you to change the narrative. Try reframing these thoughts into something more productive like, “I have 100 days left, and I can make progress,” or “I haven’t reached my goal yet, but I’m capable of finishing strong.”
Research has shown that positive self-talk can improve performance and perseverance. It’s not about ignoring the challenges—it’s about focusing on solutions and taking control of your mindset. Think of it as rewiring your brain to be your greatest ally, not your harshest critic.
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Sharing Success with Others
Now, let’s shift gears a little. If you’re someone who has met or exceeded your goals for the year, I have a question for you: what about the people around you? Is everyone in your circle also on track, or are some people struggling to cross their finish lines?
In our society, success is often seen as an individual endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s immense value in sharing your success and offering a hand to those who might need it. Ask yourself: Have I shared the strategies that worked for me? Have I supported my friends, family, or colleagues who are still pushing toward their own goals?
Sometimes, your knowledge and experience can be the spark someone else needs to reignite their momentum. Don’t underestimate the impact of lending a hand, whether that’s through offering advice, emotional support, or just being a sounding board.
Finishing Strong: The Last 100 Days
With less than 100 days left in the year, here are a few practical ways to make the most of this time:
1. Reassess Your Goals: Are they still relevant? If not, adjust them.
2. Break Down Your Goals: If the overall goal seems overwhelming, break it into smaller, manageable tasks.
3. Create a Daily or Weekly Plan: Outline the specific steps you need to take to move closer to your goal.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Every bit of progress counts. Recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way.
5. Seek Help if You Need It: Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance or advice. No one succeeds alone.
In closing, whether you're someone who needs to hustle in this final quarter or someone who can offer help to others, remember: there’s still time to accomplish something meaningful before the year closes. Positive self-talk, goal reassessment, and community support are all tools we can use to finish strong.
So, how will you use these last 100 days? Will you crush your goals, help someone else reach theirs, or maybe do both? It’s up to you—but know this: there’s still time to make 2024 a year of growth and achievement.
Let’s make the final quarter our best quarter.
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