The Last Mile Mindset: Separating the Doers from the Talkers
The Benefits of Follow-Through Even If, Even Though, Even When
Image by Vitaly Gariev from Unsplash
A focal point of Pete Carroll’s Seahawks methodology was “the last mile is the longest and the place where people quit. Not us.”
— Said you’d stay the year? Stay the year.
— Promised Friday delivery? Deliver Friday.
— Speaking at 8? Be there and ready at 7.
Credibility is not about the big moments. It’s about the unglamorous. Credibility is about showing up when you’re tired, when it’s inconvenient, and when no one is looking, to do what you said you’d do. Credibility is built on one’s word, character and follow-through.
Celebrated Seahawks coach Pete Carroll knew that the last mile determines everything, and he made sure his players not only knew it — he made sure they lived it too, both on and off the field.
Why? Because with big plans and intentions in place, it’s easy to start strong. But when excitement fades and the work gets tedious, when keeping your word requires that you show up whether or not you feel like it — that’s when people quit.
The last mile is where promises fade and exactly where credibility is built.
Photo by Getty Images via Unsplash+
Going Ahead Even If, Even Though, Even When…
The real test of my word and yours comes when we follow-through independent of mood, motivation, naysayers, or which way the wind is blowing, even if things become difficult, even though X fell-through, even when Y happens.
When you make a promise, you’re not pledging to follow-through if all goes smoothly. You’re pledging to do what you say you’ll do as obstacles emerge, motivation wanes, and the path gets steep. Anyone can stay the course when things are easy and convenient. Professionals stay the course when things take a turn and all next-steps are uphill.
Professionalism is Up to You
Professionalism isn’t about the title you and I may or may not have. Professionalism is about building credibility with self first, then with others. It’s is about being a credible reliable force, about keeping your word when things get tough — especially when things get tough.
When you make a commitment, you’re not just managing a task. You’re managing reputation, rapport and trust. Credibility isn’t built on intentions or excuses. It’s built on what we do when things become tedious, same-old same-old, and difficult.
Follow-through and the last mile can be lonely, are sometimes tedious, and are almost always where marked achievement happens Even if. Even though. Even when.
Professionals show up and do what’s required on time every time, even if, even though, even when. Make that your clarion call friends. Make it who you are and how you roll — just something you do.
