I came across a video this morning and it’s been bothering me ever since. It’s about the Delaware marathon, featuring one of those moments where everything comes down to the final stretch. One runner was clearly ahead, so close to the finish line that victory was almost certain. It was clear he had endured the distance, and all that was left was a few more steps.
But then, he slowed down and began to celebrate. I suppose he thought he had already won, thinking the finish line was close enough to claim victory before actually crossing it. But in that little celebratory moment, another runner came from behind and sprinted past him. And just like that, the one who almost won, didn’t. Very sad.
Watching it, my perspective shifted as I thought of how often we do this in our own lives. We get close to a moment we’ve worked so hard for and instead of staying focused until the very end, we relax too soon, assuming the outcome is secured. We celebrate before the work is fully done. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to lose it. This is not because we weren’t capable or because we didn’t put in the effort but because we stopped too early.
That video reminded me that almost is not enough. Being close is not the same as finishing. And until the job is done, like completely done, we owe it to ourselves to keep going with the same energy and same determination we had at the beginning.
There is nothing wrong with celebrating but timing matters as the finish line is not where you think it is, it’s where your effort ends. So the lesson is simple, but heavy. Do not slow down yet or celebrate just yet. Don’t assume you’ve won. Finish first, then celebrate.
