January 21, 2021 –
When he was Chairman and CEO of Raytheon, William H. Swanson wrote, “Don’t be known as a good starter but a poor finisher! There is often a wonderful excitement when starting something new. It is important to maintain that passion through the course of the project, especially when difficulties arise or the project encounters negative thinkers or those who lack the commitment to preserve.”
Speaking of the importance of maintaining passion through the course of a project, Jesus said, “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to make fun of him, saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’” (Luke 14:28-30, HCSB)
“Swanson’s Rules of Management” and Jesus’ teachings in the Bible support the idea of start, do, and complete. An impressive start doesn’t guarantee an excellent finish, but a poor start assures poor results.
Most people begin a task with enthusiasm because new attracts them. But when they meet obstacles, their passion quickly vanishes. Faced with resistance, they throw in the towel. Do you finish what you start?