Around here, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors, and doing new things, because we are curious... Curiosity keeps leading up down new paths.
- Walt Disney
So what do you do once you’ve climbed to the top of the mountain and achieved that long term goal?
For example, a lot of athletes work extremely hard in youth and high school to get recruited by a college team and receive an athletic scholarship. Once they achieve that goal, many aren’t prepared for what comes next.
Here are tips for what to do next:
a. Celebrate your achievements and all the hard work that went into accomplishing those milestones.
b. Reflect on the process, what you learned along the way, and how it helped you grow. This can help you identify your next steps.
c. Recharge and rejuvenate before you dive back in. It’s time to get back to it when you start to miss it.
If you feel like you need extended time off, take that time to work on other interests or things that were put on the back burner. Reconnect with other things that define who you are.
In either case, set a deadline to get back to training and competing.
d. End of the road. There comes a time when you feel like you’ve done it all and there isn’t anything left to prove. If this is you, it’s ok to stop and shift to another goal or dream.
e. Itch is still there. Keep the dream alive! Expand your current goal. Do this by creating a sequence of milestones that maps out the future.
Or just set your sights on just that one big goal.
One way isn’t better than the other, so figure out which is best for you.
f. Pay it forward. Whether you decide to walk away or keep going, give back to your sport and your community.
Help others accomplish their goals. This serves a dual purpose:
One, it allows others to learn from your success.
Two, it will help you to stay motivated and even inspire you with your next goal.
Stay motivated, strong, curious, humble, and hungry!