Everyone Starts Things…But Do You Finish Them?
A few weeks ago I was playing (or trying to play) a game with my kids. Not sure but it might have been Go Fish or Concentration. During the game we were joking around and laughing when all of a sudden a new TV show comes on (apparently one of their favorites) and so long to Dad and the card game. I tried to be rational with two boys under seven by saying "you have to finish something that you started". Clearly that didn’t work, and now they were mesmerized in a trancelike state as they were watching Ed, Edd n Eddy.
Recently I read a story about a Texas oilman who graduated college 71 years later! Good for him. I also read a story about a 59 year old guy who was kicked off his football team 37 years earlier and recently went back to school and finished out his last year of eligibility.
We have all:
- Started a book
- Started to get in better shape
- Started a project in the back yard
- Started to remodel the house
- Started to get back into religion
- Started to taking golf or tennis lessons
The real question is, "DID YOU FINISH?" Did you continue with what you started? It is easy to start something. In fact it is VERY easy to start something but very hard to finish it.
- What have you started that you would like to finish?
- Do you have a secret that helps you finish things that you start?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I started East of Eden by John Steinbeck two years ago… i can’t finish it. i pick it up every time i am in between books and it just doesn’t hold my attention.
We have started a golf tournament that will honor my father who passed away from cancer. we have basically done everything but send out the invitation. we have to finish that. it’s worth it to finish. i am working with my family on it, so i am trying not to “take over” the process.
For the most part i am a finisher. I can’t stop doing something until it’s done. it’s the borderline ADD / OCD in me. My husband on the other hand is a starter…
Honestly, like your children if the TV was not on during his projects he might just finish. Even as background noise, TV is evil. it sucks the life right out of you. I never turn it on weekends; i listen to music instead. I’ve never heard of anyone getting distracted because they were staring blankly at their Ipod… Yes, i do have my shows i watch during the week, but i refrain from channel surfing. I turn on the music and piddle around the house instead! Music gives you energy! I bet everyone knows the feeling of going for a walk / jog / run and spending an extra 3 to 5 minutes because an awesome song came on that motivated you to keep truckin’. Music makes the world go round… if you don’t believe me, then you’ve never heard James Brown get down! (that’s a stolen lyric from Andrew Dyker’s song “Ali”)
August 11th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I am great at starting things, but I am not so goo…
August 11th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Steve - I must admit that is really funny! I am still laughing and frankly it has been a tough few days so thanks!
Merrill
August 13th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I remember seeing a sign on a shop (woodworking or metal working I think) that proclaimed “FINISHERS WANTED!” and laughed to myself - tell it like it is! Two of my grandparents, with barely a grasp of English, worked as finishers on clothing, and it is something that today I can say I know people who worked “piece meal” - I have a piece of scrap fabric with pieces of thread knotted through it, neat as can be. Years ago, I asked my mom “what is this?” and she said that was what they did to show their boss how many pieces they finished that day. How cool, I thought.
Sometimes, leaving things unfinished is finished enough. And sometimes, no matter what you do and how hard you try, finishing something just isn’t in the cards. Then their are outside influencers who won’t let you finish, despite earnest effort on your part - the line from The Godfather comes to mind “Just when you thought you were out, they try to pull you back in again”
I am not one to finish my vegetables - ever - despite the imploring of my wife as well as my mom growing up (who also suggested that I not talk to strangers - LOL “how am I supposed to make a living???”) And I am trying hard to break my habit of finishing other people’s sentences!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Starting something can be fun but finishing is what it you get paid for.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:56 am
It’s a matter of passion. If you’ve got enough of it, you’ll finish
August 15th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
If I finish it, my wife will make me do it over.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Owen & Robert,
Great points - I agree with both of you.
Enjoy the weekend.
Merrill
August 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
We re-did our kitchen 6 years ago. When it was done the contractor offered to paint the entire main floor for $10,000. I said “no thanks” thinking I’d DIY it. The doors and several trim pieces are still unpainted.
With project work, I love finding things out but hate the end when the report needs to be written. But you don’t get paid until that part is done, so it keeps me motivated.
August 15th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Jeremy,
I am still laughing!!!!!!
Merrill