SANDY ADAMS

I once heard a story about a runner who was about to give up on a marathon. They had hit “the wall”—that mental block that makes you feel like you can’t go any further. But what they didn’t realize… They were just a few miles away from the finish line.

This story hits home because, in our careers and personal brands, we often feel like we’ve hit a wall.

I certainly have many times.

This proverbial “wall” has been a topic on which I have been asked many times… “how do i know when to stop?”

We think we’re not getting anywhere or that we’ve reached our limit. But sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen when you’re just about to give up.

Let’s reframe the conversation to focus on the details and changing our mindset.

Here’s the shift for me that has made all the difference:

1. Reframe setbacks: Every roadblock is a lesson. Instead of seeing them as reasons to stop, use them as insights to guide your next steps.
2. Tap into your why: When you feel like you’re running out of energy, go back to your ‘why.’ Why did you start in the first place? Reconnecting with that can fuel your persistence.  Or see a better path to take based on what you have learned since you started.
3. Visualize the finish line: One of the best mindset tools is visualization. Close your eyes and picture the outcome you want to achieve. The clearer the vision, the easier it is to stay motivated.  I compare this to the “red car” story.   You never notice how many red cars there are until you decide you want to buy a red car, then you “see” red cars everywhere.  We can’t “see” the finish line until we visualize the finish line.

The truth is, sometimes the only thing standing between you and success is your mindset.

Action step: Think about a goal you’ve been pushing towards. Now ask yourself:

• Am I closer than I think?
• What would happen if I just took one more step?

You might be closer to your breakthrough than you realize.

Let’s work on getting you over that finish line.


P.S. If you’re a female leader and ready to level up? Grab my free guide, 10 Mindset Scripts Women Need for Success, and discover powerful strategies to shift your mindset, boost confidence, and thrive in your career!