What Will Keep You Going?
By Byron Washington, Columnist
Going into the new year, people have goals and plans. Whether it is to get in shape or launch a new idea, everyone is invigorated when the new year starts. We all start out fast, then we slow down; and in a lot of cases, we stop or burn out. Why? Although we planned for the start and how we wanted to finish, we did not plan for the peaks (mountains) and the plateaus (mundane moments) that we would encounter along the way.
Consider this illustration. An individual plans to ride his or her bike in a race. The person is excited. The starting point of the race is on the top of a hill. The race begins and the participants cascade quickly down the hill. They encounter a few small bumps and hills but they continue forward with minimal effort due to the momentum. However, they encounter a long stretch of flat land, a plateau. The riders must exert effort to continue moving because the flat terrain has robbed the participants of their momentum.
Then, they encounter a mountain. The participants start up the mountain with no momentum because it was lost on the plateau. Some participants continue up the mountain. Others give up and stop. Those that continue will regain momentum because they will eventually come down the mountain on the other side. However, many participants will quit because of the mountain.
Let me provide a few suggestions for completing your race in 2020. The first is to prepare for the plateaus. There are going to be points in 2020 that are mundane and not exciting. You will hit a point in working out that your weight loss seems to have stalled or all you are doing for your new business is making phone calls and completing paperwork. Place something on your 2020 trajectory that can encourage you when things get boring.
Second, prepare for the peaks. The peaks often come after a plateau and are hard to handle because of a lack of momentum. Peaks can encompass a multiplicity of items; however, the peak is usually the last hurdle(s) that needs to be addressed before success can be achieved. The key to the peak is pacing and patience. You will never get over the peak by rushing. Steady and consistent actions are the key to overcoming the peak.
Finally—and most importantly—throughout every stage, be sure to praise God. Praise provides perspective. Praise reminds us that God is in control. Praise provides the extra push we need when facing plateaus and peaks.
As you are speeding ahead in 2020, take a moment while you have momentum and plan for handling the slow and high places. Make a note on your 2020 timeline that every few miles on the journey, take a moment to praise God for his grace, mercy, and love. First Thessalonians 5:8 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Byron Washington, MPA is an author, consultant, youth mentor, and life coach. He and his family currently reside in Abuja, Nigeria. For more about him visit https://byronwashington.org/.
