I was deeply inspired by some of the events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. One event that stood out was the story of Kinzang Lhamo from Bhutan in the women’s 42km marathon. Lhamo didn’t finish 1st, 2nd, or even 30th. She crossed the finish line last, a full hour and 30 minutes after the winner. For Lhamo, the race was more than the time or the result. “My first goal is to complete the marathon …” she said before the race. Out of 80 participants, she finished alone and exhausted, walking part of the way when running became too much. Her story isn’t one of defeat but a powerful testament to perseverance, courage, and determination. She finished to a standing ovation - a true victory in its own right.
Lhamo’s determination to finish, despite knowing she wouldn’t win, mirrors the challenges many of us face in our financial lives. The path to financial stability isn’t always smooth or swift; it’s often marked by setbacks, slow progress, and moments when the finish line feels impossibly distant. As we embark on the final quarter of the year 2024, let Lhamo’s story serve as a powerful reminder in your financial journey. Finishing well isn’t about being the fastest or the most successful; it’s about being persistent, resilient, and focused - qualities that Lhamo exemplified.
Whether you’ve faced financial setbacks or made progress toward your goals, there is still time to move forward. Your financial journey is uniquely yours, and finishing the year with determination and strength, regardless of where you currently stand, is a true achievement. The essence of success lies in the courage to keep going when the road gets tough. Like Lhamo, draw strength from your journey. Focus on the steps you can take to improve your financial situation, however small they may seem. Remember, it’s not about how quickly you reach the goal, but about finishing well with resilience and determination!
About Nike
Oyenike Adetoye (aka Nike) is an impactful speaker, author and personal finance expert. A Chartered Management Accountant by profession. Nike is the founder and CEO of LifTED Finance, a private financial firm that educates, coaches and supports people on their journey through financial fitness and wealth management.