The 99 Yard Dash by Krystal Zellmer

Have you ever heard of a 99-yard dash? No? That’s because it doesn’t exist! Yet, I’ve been taught—and have seen firsthand—that this is how many people live their lives. They get so close to the finish line, only to get distracted, look back, or slow down, never actually crossing it. Today, we’re going to talk about the power of finishing strong.

What helps you cross the finish line on your goals? What pushes you through the last yard? What supports you in staying focused and finishing strong?

For me, the answer boils down to two things: discipline and accountability. I’ve heard it said that you won’t always feel motivated, but you can choose to be disciplined. This resonates deeply with me. There are plenty of times when I don’t feel like taking action. Leaders, in particular, rarely act based on feelings—they act based on choice. They consciously and actively choose to prioritize long-term benefits and the value of their word over instant gratification. And this is where accountability becomes essential.

Accountability holds us capable when motivation wanes. It’s a powerful tool that leverages our commitment to achieve success. In fact, studies have shown that leveraging accountability can increase your odds of success by 65-95%. If you’re serious about finishing strong, accountability is a game-changer. Start practicing bold declarations and promises. Share your commitments confidently with others, letting them know what they can count on from you. Watch how this transforms your results!

Since football is such a big part of this month, let’s use an example from the game. Have you heard of the “red zone?” It’s the 20 yards closest to your opponent’s end zone, and it’s where games are often won or lost. A team’s performance in the red zone is a key indicator of their success. Doesn’t the same principle apply to your goals? If you lose momentum in your personal “red zone,” you risk failing to convert all your effort into results. This is like slowing down or giving up at the 99th yard of a 100-yard dash.

The 99-yard dash may not be a real race, but it’s one many of us unconsciously run. We slow down as we approach the finish line instead of pressing forward. We miss out on great accomplishments because we give in to excuses instead of choosing discipline.

Maybe you set New Year’s resolutions about who you wanted to become, the goals you aimed to accomplish, or the dreams you planned to pursue. Now is the perfect time to check in. What’s working? What isn’t? What adjustments can you make to stay on track or get back on track?

Use this moment as fuel to push through your goals, dreams, and commitments. When you see the finish line ahead, lean in and push yourself harder instead of pulling back. Run through the 100-yard line without wasting energy looking back. You’ve got this, and you have a support system cheering you on every step of the way!