Have you ever had a goal that took a lot longer to accomplish than you expected?
Maybe you started strong. You had the vision. You had the excitement. You had every intention of finishing it. And then life happened.
The calendar filled up. Other priorities took over. Maybe grief showed up. Maybe loss showed up. Maybe you just got tired. Maybe the goal started feeling too big, too far away, or too far behind.
So you put it on the back burner. Not because it didn’t matter. But because something else needed your attention. I get it.
Today’s Front-Row Friday is personal for me because today I finished writing my 5th book.
Yes, finished.
And I have to tell you, it feels really good to say that. Because, it took a lot longer to finish it than anticipated. I started writing during COVID! That’s how long it has taken me to bring it across the finish line. It didn’t happen in the timeline I originally imagined. Not even close.
But here’s the thing about meaningful goals: sometimes they take longer because life is not happening in a straight line. Detours on the road to your front-row happen all the time.
But a delay does not have to mean the dream is done.
Earlier this year, I pulled the book back out. I re-engaged with it. I made a commitment to move it forward. I got encouragement from Ford Saeks, a dear friend who never waivered on his support. He constantly encouraged me and reminded me of his belief in me finishing. I also got support from a writing group where we simply showed up every Thursday morning to write.
Nothing magical. Nothing fancy. Just consistent action. One page at a time. One edit at a time. And now the book is finished
The title is Front-Row Success: How to Live and Lead from the Best Seat in the House, and I am beyond excited to finally share it.
But this message is not just about my book.
It’s about your goal.
What is something you started that you still care about? What is something you put on the back burner that deserves to be brought back to the forefront?
Maybe it’s a project.
Maybe it’s a conversation.
Maybe it’s a business idea.
Maybe it’s your health.
Maybe it’s a dream you quietly tucked away because it was taking too long.
Today, I want to encourage you to take another look at it. Not with guilt. Not with shame.
Not with the voice that says, “I should have finished this by now.”
Instead, look at it with curiosity and courage.
Ask yourself:
What is one step I can take to move this forward?
Not twenty steps.
Not the whole plan.
Just one step.
Because sometimes the best way to get back to the front-row of your life is to stop waiting for perfect timing and simply re-engage with what still matters.
And I can tell you from experience, finishing something that once felt far away feels incredible.
So for this Front-Row Friday, here’s my challenge for you: Take one goal off the back burner and bring it back to life. Take one step forward. Get one step closer to your front-row.
And when you do, let me know. I would love to hear what you are moving forward.
Your Head Usher,
Marilyn
