Ending Seasons Wisely

I recall when my college season was coming to an end. I wanted to graduate and move to the next season of my life. But to my surprise, I was not wise in making my final choices. I did not apply what I knew at the right time or in the right way to get the desired result. My unwise choices caused me to miss my next season (graduating with my class and getting into grad school). I had to wait another year before I could get my diploma.

We all have seasons that come to an end and our choices will propel us forward or cause us to redo. Whatever the case, if we want success, we must be prepared to act wisely in achieving today's successes for our next season's success.

3 Keys to Ending Wisely

1.  Staying Focus - Distractions are common when coming to the end of a season. There is great anticipation of what's next and the mental focus can be on what we want to do next. Our focus should be centered on completing the task at hand. Wisdom calls for each moment (good or bad) to be maximized to its full potential. Losing sight of today's moments can greatly affect tomorrow's plans.

A great writer said, "The race is given to the one that makes it to the end." Starting strong is good, staying strong is better, but ending strong is the best! How you end is key to your overall success. Daily work to make every moment count so that your efforts will leave an impact. Proper focus will keep your end in view while continuing to succeed at your current level.

2.   Accepting Failure - Bad seasons are always something we desire to get out of quickly; however, if lessons are not learned the unwanted failures will show up in future seasons. We must first accept the failures of a bad season and learn what changes are needed to succeed next time. When farmers have a bad season they salvage what they can, count their losses and prepare to succeed in the next season. We must do the same with our failed seasons.

A past season can not be changed but an upcoming season needs the knowledge you have gained from your mess ups. Take your failures and make them your strengths by knowing what to avoid, what to do and not to do. Prepare yourself by applying your knowledge in each day you're in.

3. Handling Transition - The ending of one season means that another one is coming. Are you prepared for what’s next? Being in the proper position is key to moving successfully to our next seasons. In a relay race positioning and timing is very important for the giver and the receiver of the baton. In life, positioning and timing are also key to determining how well we are able to move forward.

Calculate your position and timing to continue executing your goals and tasks in your current season which will set you up to succeed in your future seasons. Don't rush or drag you feet with your transitioning, both can be detrimental. Wise precision is needed to apply the elements for success - honesty, teachable attitude, respect, diligent, self-control, and responsibility. Wisely execute your transition plans to successfully end your current seasons and effectively start your new.

Summary - Starting and ending seasons is inevitable for life. Keeping a good balance between staying focused, accepting failure, and handling transition. They are key elements to being wise in every season. Work to successfully conquer whatever seasons you’re in while continuing to keep your next season in view.

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