While this topic might not be the general “design” topic, it is something that has been on my mind, when it comes to attitude and perspective as a creative or as someone working full-time. That topic is the mindset of “Finishing what You’ve Started”. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “it’s not about where you start, but where you finish”? What does that phrase mean to you?

You’ll probably respond with something like: “Pushing oneself to complete a task in a more successful manner than where that task started.” The point I want to drive home is that no matter the circumstances you start in, keep going and when the going gets tough, don’t give yourself an out.

Dusting off the Discipline

Everyday we are faced with tasks of all sizes and priority levels, it can be really complicated to keep track of everything. On top of our, sometimes very, long to-do lists is the pressure of thinking “am I doing everything I can to get everything done or am I slacking?” or “is what I’m doing helping me become the best version of myself or have I lost myself in the process?”. I have found this comes from the habits we form and the thoughts we allow to dictate those habits. I invite those who read this and those you talk to after reading this to set goals and become a better person in your own eyes.

What does that mean? Becoming a “better person”, well, it’s individual to you. What I will say, is when thinking of your life, year, weeks, or daily goals, consider the following quote by Maude Muller:

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’”

No one wants to get to the end and reflect on their goals and ask themselves “what could have been” if they had only applied themselves, if only they had come to practice and tried, if only they had prepared better.

Everyday is a Gift

Connor Mantz, do you know the name? If you watched last year’s Olympics, more specifically the Marathon, you may recognize him. He is from a small town outside of Logan, Utah. When he was a senior in high school he was favored to win the XC state championships by quite a large margin. Within the last 200m of the race Connor had someone on his tail, that was Josh Collins of Wasatch High. Connor glanced back to see how much distance he had on Josh. While he did that, he tripped on his own feet and Josh Collins came out victorious.

What prevented him from trusting his finish? I mean he had already won the State Championship on that same course the year before. I didn’t ask him personally, so this is all personal take on what it came down to, but I believe the thought of having the win secured with the fear of losing everything distracted him from taking the last 20 steps safely.

Like most people it only took him one time to recognize what to do, or maybe better put, what not to do. My favorite quote of all time is from the legendary University of Oregon and Nike mid-distance runner, Steve Prefontaine:

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

Every day is a new gift to do your best, don’t sacrifice the gift you’ve been given.