Are you an “Endgainer”?

Many years ago I went indoor rock climbing.  I wanted to get to the top!  About ¾ of the way up I got stuck, there were no holds available and I had no way of getting to the top.  I was going to fail….  Stop, Pause and Reset came into play and I choose to look below me and to the sides rather than just above.  I found other options and I reached the top and I have never forgotten the lesson.
 
I had been “endgaining”.   Only focussed on the goal in front of me.
 
Do you know the exact outcome that you want and just go for it?  Do you become focused and strive towards the goal as fast and direct as you can?  Do you miss out on smelling the roses and seeing other alternatives to reach your destination or even perhaps miss one that could be even better?
 
That’s what happens with endgaining.  We over focus on a forward goal and actually miss out on experiencing, leveraging and enjoying the way in which we get there. 
 
Endgaining is often connected with high stress levels, overengaged muscles, physiological reactions such as headaches, jaw clenching and eye strain.  We can be snappy and upset the people we care about the most or take our colleagues for granted as we demand more and more.
 
It is important to have a direction in mind and even the goal, however the way in which you get there or the “means whereby” is actually what matters the most.  By allowing increased awareness and stopping to pause along the way, you can check in on yourself and the options presented.  There may be an easier, healthier and more satisfying outcome than you thought possible.