The Next Race
By Mark Fallon

"How do you stave off the post-"A Race" downer syndrome? With another race, I guess!"- Ken Benway

Michael Phelps set new world records for swimming at the Olympics. What does he do next?

Will Smith's movie, Hancock, grossed over $500 million worldwide. What does he do next?

You've just completed a challenging project successfully at your company. What do you do next?

First, take the time to enjoy the moment. Go out and celebrate with your co-workers, your friends or your family. Thank those that helped you achieve your success. Reflect on what it took to accomplish your goal, and think about what you could've done better. Rest on your laurels. Just a little bit.

Feel better? Rested? Good. Now, go find a new challenge. Today.

Your new challenge doesn't have to be as difficult as the one you just completed. It doesn't even have to be in the same category. But having a goal inspires us to move forward, do more, and perform better. Goals give us direction.

A common occurrence among first-time marathoners is the feeling of a "let-down" after finishing the race. For months, they worked hard at building up mileage on the road, literally pushing their bodies further than they thought possible. They complete a 26.2 mile race and get a medal.

However, after their bodies recover from that effort, many people find it challenging to keep running. What's the point? They've accomplished their goal, so why keep going? They need a new goal.

I'd read about the "downer syndrome", and was determined not to have the experience. After setting the goal for my first marathon, I set several goals for the weeks and months to follow. Some of the goals had to do with running, some had to do with my business, and others were personal.

My running goal was easy to figure out – qualify for the Boston Marathon. I live less than 5 miles from the start of the race, and have to pass it on some of my running routes. When you're from the Boston area, and you tell people you run, the first question is usually, "When are you going to run the Boston Marathon?" I need to have an answer.

At my age, I'll have to finish another marathon in less than 3 hours, 30 minutes and 59 seconds to qualify for Boston. It took 3 hours and 53 minutes for my first marathon, and 3 hours and 47 minutes for my next race. So, this goal will keep me busy for a while.

But running is only one part of my life, and I needed more. My business partner and I held a day-long meeting to strategize over new business and new products. By analyzing the last three years, we discovered what activities generated the most leads. We set goals for reaching out to existing clients and prospects to discuss new projects.

Having multiple income streams would minimize risk in a tough economy. We launched a monthly teleseminar series with different topics facing the mailing industry. Each teleseminar is preserved as a downloadable MP3 that can be sold separately. With the help of an editor and a graphic designer, we completed a booklet, 110 Tips to Improve Your Mail Operation. And, I'm working on a book.

I believe in balance, and didn't forget my personal life. I've attempted to adjust my travel schedule, and spend more time at home. When away on vacation, I've learned to check email only once a day. On some weekend trips, I even leave my laptop at home.

My wife and I continue to work on the house, completing one project at a time. This spring, it was the master bedroom. Changing the paint color, installing window treatments and hanging artwork are tasks we could do ourselves. We're getting some good ideas from HGTV for our next undertaking.

If you look closely at my goals, you'll notice they share certain characteristics. Every goal is measurable – run at a certain pace, create a specific product, and finish a project. Every goal will require effort to achieve – follow a training plan, create content, and expend physical effort. And no goal takes so much time and effort that it consumes my life.

Measurements are what separate goals from dreams. Many people want to improve their physical condition, make more money or live a different type of life. Goal-oriented people set a target, and then figure out the steps required to reach the target. They know where they are, where they want to be, and how well they're progressing.

Important goals usually don't come easy. Physical discomfort, longer hours at work and leaving your comfort zone aren't activities we seek out for pleasure. Initial failures and setbacks can cause discouragement and feelings of despair. Perseverance and hard work are necessary to be successful.

Balancing your goals is just as important. Focusing solely on one aspect of your life isn't healthy. Sometimes, you'll have to sacrifice time at home to finish a project at work. Or, you may miss a workout to attend a family event. Take a moment and make sure your calendar reflects the multiple priorities in your life.

A goal-oriented life is achievable for everyone. One element to success is to be prepared for what happens after you achieve your goal.