Building capacity for the race ahead 2025

By Bernard Kelvin CLIVE

I believe this will be helpful not just for the coming year but also for the days and years ahead, particularly as we focus on setting and achieving goals, meeting resolutions, and hitting targets. In times like these, it’s important to reflect on how we can strategize effectively for the future.

I want to discuss what I call the “relay focus” in a race. This analogy can help guide us as we prepare for the New Year and work toward our goals. Whether you’re planning to lose weight, take a new course, explore a new career path, write a book, or make lifestyle changes, these reflections can be valuable.

Whatever your aspirations or resolutions may be—what you want to stop doing or start doing—this is a worthy pursuit. I encourage you to go for it. But first, let me share a story to provide some perspective.

The Two Athletes in High School

Back in high school, during athletic competitions, there were two young athletes who always drew attention and applause from the audience and student body.

There was Anas Moro—an energetic young man with an athletic build, well-statured and full of vigour. He excelled in sports, particularly in relay races like the 4×4, 100-meter dash, or 400 meters. Whenever Anas competed, he was always at the top of his game. Then there was another athlete, AK.

Anas and AK were often neck and neck, each winning or losing to the other in close contests. However, something about Anas stood out to me back then—his energy was remarkable.

In a 100-meter dash, most athletes start and finish with the same level of energy, maintaining a consistent pace. Anas excelled in this. But what amazed me even more was his performance in the 200-meter and 400-meter races.

Anas would start with incredible energy and sustain it all the way to the finish line. Whether he came in first or second, his unwavering intensity was always evident.

Reflecting on Anas’ approach, I realized something profound. Some of us are like Anas. When the year begins, we charge toward our goals with the same high level of energy and enthusiasm, maintaining focus and zeal throughout. Even when we don’t hit every target, our energy rarely falters—we stay determined and keep moving forward.

But not all of us are like Anas.

Who are you: Anas or AK?

You might be more like AK. Let me tell you about him. In every race, whether it was the 400-meter dash or another event, AK had a different approach. He would start slowly but gain momentum along the way, particularly during the curves.

In a 400-meter dash, the curves often give runners an extra boost, as the wind seems to push them forward. AK took full advantage of this. During those stretches, he would overtake several competitors, steadily increasing his energy as he advanced. By the time he reached the final stretch, AK was often in a much stronger position, sometimes even winning the race.

What stood out about AK was his ability to tap into a new wave of energy and zeal as he progressed. It was as though he shifted into a higher gear, catching the wind and pushing through with renewed determination.

Move at your own pace

Some of you may find yourselves like AK. You might start the year, a project, or a new venture slowly, gaining momentum as you go. Don’t compare yourself to someone like Anas, who maintains a high level of energy throughout. You might be more like AK, building pace gradually and making steady progress over time.

You might start slowly, peak gradually, and move forward step by step—building momentum until you finish your race. Don’t compare your start to someone else’s. Your capacity, energy, and approach may differ from another person or competitor.

Avoid trying to match someone else’s pace or copying their strategy. Instead, take the time to understand yourself. Reflect on how you should approach a new project, course, or venture. Assess the capacity you’ve built in that area and how it can help you progress—starting small, gaining momentum, and ultimately achieving your goals.

Remember, everyone is different. Knowing yourself is key as you move into the coming year. Be aware of your own pace, your race, and your field. You’re not in competition with everyone else; your primary focus should be on yourself, your targets, and your milestones.

For instance, one person might aim to read 44 books a year, while another sets their goal at 100. Don’t feel compelled to match the higher number if it doesn’t suit your situation. Similarly, someone might aim to increase their revenue by 20X. You could aim for 2X or 5X growth monthly and still reach your 10X target over time.

Find your Wind and Soar

Find out what works for you and build the capacity to achieve your goals and targets for the year. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout or discouragement, even when challenges arise. Know yourself, build capacity, and put in the work. You might be like AK, while someone else might be like Anas.

Whatever the case, focus on finishing your race. Stay in your lane, excel in your chosen field, and focus on what you’ve built capacity for. Equip yourself, grow in that area, and make steady progress. By doing this, you can achieve milestones—whether monthly, weekly, or quarterly—while making significant strides toward your goals.

When you stay in your lane and focus on your journey, you’ll avoid being overwhelmed by what others are doing. Instead, you’ll find satisfaction in your progress, knowing that you’ve understood your pace and are building the right momentum to reach your targets.

I wish you the best in the year. May all your dreams be fulfilled, and may you continue to impact lives as you move forward.

Key Lessons:

Know Your Strengths: Understand whether you’re more like Anas (consistent energy) or AK (gradual momentum) and align your strategy accordingly.

Run Your Own Race: Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your unique goals, pace, and capacity.

Build Incremental Capacity: Progress step by step, gradually enhancing your ability to achieve larger targets over time.

Stay Focused on Your Lane: Concentrate on your personal milestones and avoid being distracted by external competition or comparisons.

Actionable Steps:

Self-Assessment: Reflect on your past achievements and challenges to identify your natural working style (Anas or AK).

Goal Breakdown: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable milestones with realistic timelines.

Track Progress: Use a journal, app, or planner to monitor your daily, weekly, or monthly advancements.

Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for hitting milestones, no matter how small, to maintain motivation and energy.

Bernard  is a leading authority on personal branding and digital book publishing in Africa. With over a decade of experience in digital publishing, he has been a trusted consultant for entrepreneurs, pastors, and individuals looking to build their brands and write their books. . To learn more about Bernard and his work, visit www.BKC.name.

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