The Last Mile...

Last month in the last quarter of a significant year….last mile to get to the goal!

A few days back I ran a half marathon. While not an unimaginable or significantly difficult task, it still is an enduring run. My run was on a trail. During the run, I realized that is quite different than road running. While the enthusiasm helped me to cover most of the run, towards the end it became increasingly difficult. Lack of running practice on trails wore me out much sooner than I ever expected. I did complete the run but the last mile is still vivid and has played out in front of me many times after the run.

For many years in my life, I felt that I cannot run, however, one day when I started running, I could cover 6 kms….as someone said “it is all in the mind”. No target is easy or tough, unless we make it that way. Let us make the unachievable, achievable.

While finishing the ultimate leg of the trail run, at every step I felt that I am losing my breath and cannot go more. Every step I pushed myself to go ten more and ten more and ten more…. finally, all of it added to the last mile. Small contributions add to the whole. Let’s do whatever we can, even if it is small. All employees contributing in a small way will add to something significant.

Since I was quite tired, in the last leg I was very careful of my steps. A small mis-step could have resulted in a fall. When the quantum of work is high, in addition to enthusiasm to finish the task, it’s important to look around the corners. Not doing so could completely derail us from the end goal.

When the ounces of energy were burning faster and faster, I started to observe my running posture and realized that I was not moving my upper body in sync with the legs, resulting in loss of momentum. We need to keep an eye on every improvement opportunity…continuous improvement is the only way to stay competitive.

The runners who completed the race faster, came back along the trail to cheer the rest. It gave us the last bit of energy which could pull us through. We should not underestimate the power of cheerleading. Small encouragements convert into energy for the fellow mates as they muster all they have, to complete the last mile. We all are ONE TEAM!

End of the quarter, end of another significant year for each one of us….we need to give all what we have and make the last mile count!!!