How You Finish Matters More: A Sunday reflection

I have always emphasized to those I mentor the importance of both how we start and end any endeavor. Solomon, hailed as the wisest person to have ever lived, highlighted the significance of "finishing is better than starting" (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT). To truly grasp the concept of finishing, it extends beyond mere completion of a process; it encompasses the actual fulfillment of the desired outcome.

It is possible to complete something, yet fall short of achieving the intended result. While I acknowledge that there are times when simply finishing is all we can manage because that is all we can think, I reflect on my own experience in high school. As a prerequisite for playing basketball, I participated in cross country per the coach's demand. Admittedly, as someone who knew early on that my skills were below average compared to 99 percent of the team, I never took the conditioning seriously. My focus was on finishing cross-country as a means to make the team, deeming it as the desired outcome.

With the benefit of hindsight, I realize that had I known then what I know now, my desired outcome would have been to envision more playing time, rather than simply making the team--this was a function of my thinking. As professionals, many of us fall short of our true potential because we have settled for the expectation of obtaining and maintaining employment. The true outcome of work should be to create value and mutual exchange that propels us towards growth - however we define it.

Growth may entail moving upwards, sideways, or even departing a stagnant environment that no longer serves our development. What I have learned as I transitioned from adolescent to adult is that God's promises are intended to uplift our spirits and imbue us with optimism, anticipating positive outcomes that will guide our path.

Successfully finishing well is not contingent upon our birthplace, upbringing, or past and present economic conditions. It is predominantly driven by our devotion, the daily choices we make, the quality of our thinking and an unwavering pursuit of our God-inspired life purpose.

Early in life, I was conditioned to believe that I had no control over the ultimate outcome of my life - a notion shared by many others. This, however, is untrue. No matter where you begin, you have the capacity to finish well. Keep your gaze squarely focused. This blog is intended to evoke reflection; I would encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Additionally, if you have any topics you would like me to explore, please feel free to DM me.

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