REFLECTIONS

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 REFLECTIONS

“YOU DON’T SIT DOWN UNTIL YOU FINISH WHAT YOU GOT UP TO DO”.

This is one of those old-time, folk wisdom maxims that sounds simple but packs a hard, direct hit to the gut. On first reading, anyone (as I did) can read it quickly and let out a little smirky laugh. Much like saying … “how cute!” Then we read it again, and little fangs come out, grasp and hold you. And your attention.

Not so, you might say. “What do you mean by ‘little’ fangs?” 

Well, they are the subliminal messages that are being sent out. “Don’t leave things undone that should be done” … “Finish whatever it is you have started”.

Most of us are by nature procrastinators and a bit lazy. Not everyone, mind you. After all, somebody has to get things done! But in truth, we do tend to take the easy way out when possible. We start a project, and when the going gets a little complicated, we consider the possibility of taking a “short-cut” and getting to the finish line while leaving a few issues on the table, rather than taking the extra time to complete each step as initially projected. Or, sometimes, complete it at all. 

There are occasions we can get away with this, with ambivalent results. If the outcome is acceptable, then it becomes easier to do the same in future times and run the risk of becoming chronic non-finishers. This is a bit like taking shortcuts in a marathon, only to rejoin the main path almost at the end of the line and rejoicing in having “completed” the run. 

The accomplishment is never quite as good as it would have been if we had run the entire course. In our case, not being a marathon runner, this would translate to not having delivered on our commitment. Even when others may not see the total picture and praise our “efforts”, we are fully aware that we did not put our full selves into delivering the results we committed to. 

And no. This is not about always being able to deliver a finished product. We know that, under the best conditions, there are still no guarantees we will accomplish our goals.

What we are expected to deliver is our best effort. To give it -whatever “it” is- our very best shot. Nothing more, nothing less. Having done this, we have the right to have a good feeling about ourselves. About our integrity and our promises. Even if the end results are not all we expected to accomplish.

We know we gave our commitment full backing by our actions and efforts. 

We have the right to feel good about our integrity.

Whenever someone I know embarks on a process leading to any type of anticipated or planned results, I never say the typical sendoff: “Good Luck!” 

Mine is a bit different because it embodies an idea, a thought pattern. I would love to say this is my invention, but no, it is not. It reflects a Japanese concept often credited with helping explain how, as a nation and culture, they have repeatedly rebuilt after disaster and become a world-leading country. 

My sendoff? …  “Give your best!”

When any of us does this, we will always be able to hold our heads up.






 

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