Comments on: Everyone Starts Things…But Do You Finish Them?

By: Merrill Dubrow

Merrill Dubrow — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:06:04 +0000

Jeremy,

I am still laughing!!!!!!

Merrill

By: Phil Harriau

Phil Harriau — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:20:31 +0000

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.

By: Merrill Dubrow

Merrill Dubrow — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:04:01 +0000

Owen & Robert,

Great points - I agree with both of you.

Enjoy the weekend.

Merrill

By: Jeremy Bromberg

Jeremy Bromberg — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:02:32 +0000

If I finish it, my wife will make me do it over.

By: Robert Grayson

Robert Grayson — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:56:54 +0000

It’s a matter of passion. If you’ve got enough of it, you’ll finish

By: Owen Jenkins

Owen Jenkins — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:43:35 +0000

Starting something can be fun but finishing is what it you get paid for.

By: Steve Gentile

Steve Gentile — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:09:40 +0000

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!

By: Merrill Dubrow

Merrill Dubrow — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:20:53 +0000

Steve - I must admit that is really funny! I am still laughing and frankly it has been a tough few days so thanks!

Merrill

By: Steve Runfeldt

Steve Runfeldt — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:51:06 +0000

I am great at starting things, but I am not so goo…

By: Stephenie Gordon

Stephenie Gordon — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:09:46 +0000

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”)