Have you ever had a big goal or a really challenging situation that extended over a period of many months or even years?
How did you feel when you got to the end of it?
When we get to that point of finally wrapping up a big project, there is definitely a nice sense of achievement. If you think back to when you first began the project, you feel like it was a long time ago. You get a sense that you’ve moved forward and you realise that you have truly learnt more, grown and actually produced something. That is satisfying. Soon after this experience of satisfaction we can however experience some other emotion that is a bit confusing.
After achieving a big goal it is likely that you will also naturally fall into a lull for a period of time. This will be most noticeable if you have not already moved on to the next big goal. You may just feel like something’s missing or feel a bit out of sorts. And I’m here to tell you that that is normal. After having a relationship with this goal/project/situation for so long, when it’s not there, you will notice a gap.
Initially this can be a great relief. You likely feel like you need a break and it’s a welcome situation to not have to do anything. But then after a while you start to feel a bit agitated, like you should be doing something or that there’s something wrong. Know what I’m talking about?
I recently experienced this and it reminded me of the cyclical process of achieving big goals. That space at the end of them, when the activity dies down can feel a bit odd. You’ve been in motion for months on end and suddenly now, nothing. It’s easy to try and fill that space with more activity but really that’s not what it’s about. There’s a lull at the end of the big goal so you can rest. Yes, it’s the time to actually pause and take in the new vista from where you’re standing now. It’s the time to allow yourself to rest and adjust to your new situation before moving on.
After you have allowed this natural down-time to occur, you will be back on the upswing in no time. After getting the rest that you need and allowing time for reflection, you will feel re-energised and ready to start again. Not only is this good for you but it makes your goal achievement process more sustainable. Moving through the full cycle of goal achievement including the lull at the end will ensure you can maintain your winning streak over time.