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Something Worth SharingMaximise the Exit
Much time, effort and focus goes into how we prepare, start and accomplish things, but once we have done this, what comes next? Have you given all you have to a project, goal or task and then found yourself struggling in a ‘what now?’ state? In 2001, I spent months preparing to restructure our manufacturing-based shopfloor; I focused on bringing in health and safety, rationalising the management structure and enabling efficiencies. Once I had the plan in place, I spent about 4 weeks implementing it - with absolute precision. Once we went live with the ‘new structure’ in place, I remember the feeling that followed - one of emptiness. I hadn’t prepared for the phase that followed completion. This is something I’ve observed many times in my life and around me. One of the worst experiences of this I had was after selling a business - and having a real come-down and feeling of being lost. My personal trainer was telling me about the mistake that many competitive body builders face - the one after they have spent months preparing for a show. These dedicated body builders control everything up to - and including - their ‘big day’ of competition, often going through a very tough diet to get the perfect physique. The day after the competition some remove all restrictions and control, and can end up making themselves really ill through shocking their bodies with food. How we handle the post-completion, or post-focus phase is vitally important. When taught to drive - just as I had when ice skating - I recall the importance of ‘maximising the exit phase’. Experienced drivers and physics professors alike agree that maintaining consistent speed through a bend or curve is the way to go. The rule was always to not slow down, and don't speed up. But when the time is right, the best drivers accelerate out of a curve. Being able to apply this to life, projects, goals, retirement, sport and many other things we face helps us to smooth out and avoid the ‘what now?’ phase. The next time you plan something, remember to maximise the exit phase too. Landing is just as important as taking off!
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