“Beginning in itself has no value, it is an end which makes beginning meaningful, we must end what we begun.”
Amit Kalantri
Cambridge English Dictionary
To continue doing something until it is finished or until you achieve something you have planned to do.
Notable Quotes
“Without hope, I wouldn’t even try. Hope lifts me to consider new possibilities so I can stay the course of my desire, no matter what.”
Sharon Weil
“Sometimes you can't see the road ahead but as you keep going, it gets clearer. Stay the course as the fog of life dissipates.”
Sanjo Jendayi
“Whatever it takes to finish things, finish. You will learn more from a glorious failure than you ever will from something you never finished.”
Neil Gaiman
10 Essential Tips To Finish What You Start by Celestine Chua
1. Be selective in what you embark on. When you start on a project (especially a large scale one), make sure it is something you are passionate about and you want to see through.
2. Estimate the resources you need. It doesn’t have to be exhaustive. Just a quick outline will help. The point is to have something that guides you.
3. Budget your time and energy accordingly. After you create your outline, you should have a realistic idea of how much time and effort is needed to complete it. Plan out your time and resources accordingly and integrate them into your schedule/to-do list.
4. Quit being a perfectionist. How many of us keep delaying work because we want to get it just right? I’m all for perfectionism and getting the best output, but if your desire for perfectionism is preventing you from getting things done, I think it’s good to challenge it.
5. Commit to it. Once you start, commit to it. Whatever you have planned, do them. Give yourself the option to exit a project if it’s really not in line with your vision (see #9), but otherwise hold yourself to your word.
6. Connect with your end vision. You might have experienced this. Whenever you begin on a new project, you’re full of energy and enthusiasm. Then when you get into the thick of things, this energy fades away, bit by bit. You’re still excited about the overall project, but you’re not so hyped about the nitty gritty tasks that come as part of the work.
7. Follow the path of highest enjoyment. I found one of the easiest and most effortless ways to complete my projects is to be flexible in my project management approach. For example, most people will finish the tasks in their to-do list in sequential order. Task 1 comes first, followed by Task 2, then Task 3, etc. Sounds straight forward and easy, doesn’t it?
8. Track your progress. Tracking your progress helps you understand how you’re doing and gives you a target to reach. This makes it easier to keep up with your momentum. Create a project sheet that records your targets and your current status. Specify your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that you want to achieve.
9. Celebrate what you’ve done so far. Sometimes we get discouraged with all the things that need to be done. It seems like no matter how much time we spend, it’s impossible to finish it. Here’s the thing – Everything you’ve done so far IS an accomplishment! Give yourself a huge pat on the back and a big bear hug. Celebrate the process, the resting, the doing, the completion, everything.
10. Don’t force it if it’s really not working out. Sometimes, it just happens that you lose interest in the goal. It happens, and it’s normal. We change, our interests change, and we get new ideas and inspiration the whole time.
Don't Quit by Robert Schuller
When things go wrong as they sometimes will. When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high. And you want to smile, but you have to sigh. When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is strange with its twists and turns, as every one of us sometimes learns, and many a failure turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow – You may succeed with another blow! Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell just how close you are, it may be near when it seems so far. So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit– It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Bible Verses
You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.
Psalm 119:1-8 (MSG)
Additional Reading
Finish What You Start: The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins
The Power of Discipline: How to Use Self Control and Mental Toughness to Achieve Your Goals by Daniel Walter
Point of Reflection
“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.”
Babe Ruth