Finish the Assignment

I have always been a starter. I love to start things. The problem is I have to work hard at finishing them. Somewhere in the process, I would lose interest and wander into something new. I have gotten much better at getting things done, but it takes work and focus. I have learned a lot from the author and speaker David Allen, who wrote the book, Getting Things Done. He has many great and usable tips for finishing things you start.

I also learned a great deal from a man I worked with many years ago. I was part of a team working on the opening of an IMAX Theatre. The man in charge had been chosen because of his history of overseeing and opening theatres all over the world. Dave was brilliant and had the process down to the last detail. I loved working with him because you always knew what was expected and what would happen next.

“It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.”

Coach John Wooden

1910-2010

American Basketball Coach

Many were shocked, myself included, when right after the theatre opened, Dave quit. See, Dave was a starter too. He loved to build theatres, but he was not interested in running one. The thing to understand is that Dave did finish the job and finished it well. He knew his strengths and worked thoroughly in them. Success-minded people know that by staying in their strengths, they will achieve more than they will be doing many different things.

Success-minded people understand that we all have a purpose in life. There is a project that we are here to do and complete. No one is exempt. As Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, said, “If you’re alive, there’s a purpose for your life.” It is the purpose that we are to finish before we leave this planet. It is that purpose that gives success-minded people their sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Starting is essential, and I know for some, that is the hard part. You must seek out your purpose, and to do that, you have to take action. David Allen gives these instructions: “Decide the outcome and the action steps, put reminders of those somewhere your brain trusts you’ll see them at the right time, and listen to your brain breathe easier.” 

What do you want to do in life? God will not call you to a task that He has not given you the desire to do. Then once you start, see it through to the end. When is that end? You will know when it comes because you will have completed everything you need to do. Home is a reward for those who finish well.

“His Master commended him: ‘Good work!  You did your job well.  From now on, be My partner.”

 – Matthew 25:21  (Message)

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.