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There is an abundance of sayings that address the concept of beginning something. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step," and "starting is more than half of finishing," are just two that come immediately to mind. But it seems to me that finishing is more important than starting.

Let me explain. In my lifetime, I've seen a lot of people start things; projects, businesses, jobs, careers, relationships, whatever. And I've done a lot of starting myself. But I have noticed that there are way more things begun than finished. As a matter of fact, I have come to think that the art of finishing is what separates the truly great leaders from the rest.

Finishing Well is a concept that begs consideration. Many leaders begin the journey, but only few finish. And even fewer "finish well."

J. Robert Clinton and Richard W. Clinton wrote that there are seven main barriers to "Finishing Well:"

1. Finances – their use and abuse

2. Power – its abuse

3. Inordinate pride – which leads to downfall

4. Sex – illicit relationships

5. Family – critical issues

6. Plateauing

7. Emotional and Psychological Wounding

A quick review of this list will have every leader's head nodding as he or she realizes they have either been sidetracked or tempted by one or many of these, or have known someone who has fallen to one of these culprits. But I found most helpful the list of things leaders can do to enhance their chances of finishing well, as given to the authors by their mentor, whom they refer to only as "Pastor Ray:"

1. gain and keep a broad perspective

2. develop an expectancy for renewal

3. practice disciplines, especially spiritual ones

4. develop and maintain a learning posture

5. have and listen to mentors

(paraphrased, taken from Leaders on Leadership, edited by George Barna).

As leaders on the journey to significance, I think it would benefit each of us to take these five enhancements to heart. Remember:

Any one can start,

and many do.

Few finish well,

it's up to you.

Posted in LLR Daily Application

8 responses to “Finishing Well”

J.M.Massen

February 20, 2008

So true that is, and quite ironic (or providential) that you post this now. Something that I know I personally struggle with endlessly. And the steps to take to remedy this problem, excellence above reproach. Implementation mode: on.

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Ian from Texas

February 20, 2008

Chris,
I promise this will be short. I just wanted to pass along one more thing that happened at our book study last night. There is a couple who have attended pretty much every week. They will remain un-named to protect the innocent.
Let’s just say the Mr. is one of my future mentors, he just might not know it yet. 🙂
The Mrs. of the couple has ended up in my “small group” a few times and I love to hear her point of view on different subjects.
We were going over chapter 10 and talking about level 5 leaders and answering some questions on an outline. You know, interacting with other people and hearing their ideas.
The Mrs. of the couple made a comment about her husband. She talked about how she already sees the level five leader inside of him, even if he isn’t at that level yet. I can’t quote exactly what she said because I sat their lost in my own little world.
What this woman said about her husband was something that men die for. The reason we will conquer entire countries. The reason we will defend our own to the death. The reason we will lift burning wreckage with superhuman strength.
The reason we will work ourselves to death, or if needed, make complete fools of ourselves.
She lifted him up. She was able to see him at a level, before he even arrives there.
I throw this out there for the ladies. To let you know just how much strength you can give us with some words of love and belief.
To the men out there. Maybe we could try just a bit harder to be the kind of man who deserves words of affirmation like Tammy said about her husband Jeff….errr I mean like the Mrs. said about the Mr. last nite.
Dangit. I am terrible at stuff like this.
I hope this helps someone out there.
Hearing her talk about her husband made me want to be a better man for my wife.
Marriage is a long term project that I hope and pray I learn to finish well.
Thanks,
Ian from Texas

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Nate

February 20, 2008

Hey Chris,
I really needed to hear this, and, if I can say, thank you Ian, tears fill my eyes. It encourages me, as a man, to DO something worth that kind of respect, and admiration that she showed her husband. So, thats what I’m gonna do.
God bless.

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Brian Adams

February 21, 2008

Chris, I was reading “The World is Flat” Release 3.0 By Thomas L. Friedman. I came accost this quote “Louis Pasteur said it a long time ago: ‘Fortune favors the prepared mind.’” The Team is one of the most prepared in all the land and with you and Orrin at the head of the charge, like that Gloaters of old we shall complete God work for us.

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Dave Nelson

February 21, 2008

Hi,
There are lots of things I could say here, but then you might think I never read “How to win Friends and Influence People”. My Leaders always told me no negative to up line or downline, or to anyone. I wanted to light up the room when I came not when I left. Thanks for continuing to teach me how.
Thanks for the Centurion Principles book. You guys are sparking my interest in history.
Thanks, I appreciate you
Dave Nelson

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Phyllis Hoff

February 21, 2008

Chris:
This post is so appropriate. I know there are many times I start something, and think I will finish it in a few days, and several times it has never been finished. I do know that with your mentorship and teaching, this has been one area that I try to keep front and center now. It is easy to get distracted, but as you have so many times taught us, “Persistence is key.”
With an example like you and Orin encouraging us to continue and stay the course, it gets more difficult to get distracted, so thank you for that.
See you tomorrow.
Phyllis

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Amy Shipp

February 25, 2008

What a powerful message. It was so great to hear this talk in St. Louis!!! The whole weekend was fantastic! Thank you for all you do.

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Judy Henry

December 6, 2012

Chris,
Thank you for the great perspective. I am re-reading “How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling” by Frank Bettger. It includes some tremendous tools for finishing well. LIFE is good!

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