I remember sitting in a coaching session last year with a startup founder who was struggling to complete their product launch. They had all the right pieces—talented team, adequate funding, promising technology—yet their projects kept stalling at the 80% mark. This reminded me of something crucial I’ve observed across industries: achieving outstanding results isn’t just about starting strong; it’s about finishing with precision. In my fifteen years consulting for organizations from tech startups to sports teams, I’ve noticed that the difference between good and great often comes down to how you approach the final stretch. Let me share a powerful example from collegiate basketball that perfectly illustrates what it takes to achieve the best ending result in your projects and goals.
The story begins with Far Eastern University-Diliman’s junior basketball team during UAAP Season 85 in 2023. Now, I’ve followed UAAP basketball for years, and what struck me about this team wasn’t just their raw talent—it was their remarkable comeback narrative. See, FEU-Diliman had previously dominated their division but lost their throne in prior seasons. In 2023, they weren’t just playing for another trophy; they were playing to reclaim what they felt was rightfully theirs. Coach Allan Albano, whom I respect immensely for his methodical approach, built a roster that blended experience and youth. But here’s what stood out: their journey to the championship was far from smooth. They faced a tough Nazareth School of National University in the finals, a team that had beaten them before. Yet, when it mattered most, FEU-Diliman didn’t just win—they dominated. The final game was a masterclass in closing strong, with Kirby Mongcopa earning Finals MVP honors while Janrey Pasaol, Veejay Pre, and Jedric Daa delivered under immense pressure. I remember watching the game and thinking, "This is what peak performance looks like when the stakes are highest."
So what went right for FEU-Diliman, and why does it matter for your projects? Let’s break it down. First, they understood that to achieve the best ending result, you need a clear finish line and a team that believes in the mission. In the business world, I’ve seen too many teams lose steam because their goals were vague or shifted mid-stream. FEU-Diliman’s goal was crystal clear: reclaim the UAAP throne. Second, they had what I call "clutch performers"—players like Mongcopa and Pasaol who elevated their game during critical moments. In my consulting work, I’ve found that projects often fail not because of poor planning, but because teams lack someone who can take charge when deadlines loom. Third, their coaching staff made smart adjustments. For instance, they tweaked their defensive schemes specifically for the finals, holding their opponents to just 67 points in the championship game—a statistic that still impresses me. On the flip side, I’ve noticed that many teams stick rigidly to initial plans even when circumstances change. That’s a recipe for mediocre outcomes.
Now, how can you apply these insights to your own goals? Based on FEU-Diliman’s success and my own experience, here’s what I recommend. Start by defining what the best ending result means for your project. Is it launching a product with zero critical bugs? Is it hitting a revenue target of $500,000 in the first quarter? Get specific. Then, identify your "clutch players"—the team members who thrive under pressure. In FEU-Diliman’s case, Mongcopa averaged 18.5 points in the finals, while Pasaol contributed crucial rebounds. In your team, who are the people you can count on when timelines tighten? Next, build flexibility into your plans. FEU-Diliman’s coaches didn’t hesitate to change tactics when needed; similarly, you should regularly review progress and pivot if necessary. I often advise clients to hold weekly "adjustment meetings" focused solely on refining strategies for the final push. Lastly, celebrate milestones to maintain momentum. FEU-Diliman’s players high-fived after every defensive stop—a small but powerful ritual that kept them engaged.
Reflecting on FEU-DILIMAN’S victory, I’m convinced that the principles behind their success are universally applicable. Whether you’re leading a software development team, organizing a community event, or pursuing personal goals like running a marathon, the ability to achieve the best ending result separates the exceptional from the average. Personally, I’ve adopted their mindset in my own work—for example, when I launched my online course last year, I focused intensely on the final 10% of production, ensuring every video was polished and every resource was valuable. The result? A 97% completion rate among enrolled students, which I’m pretty proud of. So, as you tackle your next big project, remember FEU-Diliman’s story. It’s not just about starting with a bang; it’s about finishing with a legacy. And if a group of college athletes can reclaim their throne against tough odds, imagine what you can achieve with the right focus on that final, game-changing push.