Joel LibavaI never used to finish what I started.
My Dad always told me that I, “Never followed through.”
He was right.
Generally, when things got hard, I had a tendency to give up.
Especially in Junior High and High School.
“All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one… characteristic we must posses if we are to face the future as finishers.”
~ Henry David Thoreau
Work Was Different
When I started working-at the age of 15, my follow-through got a little better. (I was hired to wash dishes at a Chinese restaurant.)
After a couple of years washing dishes, I had an opportunity to move into the front of the house; the dining room.
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I become very comfortable there. It was a fast-paced environment, and the busier it was, the more I made in tips. (I was a busboy.)
My follow-through became a lot better.
As the years progressed, I worked my way up to waiter, assistant manager, and general manager at various restaurants.
The topping on the cake was when I landed a position as Maitre’D in a Las Vegas showroom. Good stuff.
Except for the tacky red tux that I had to wear every night.
(My red tux-circa 1983.)
A Pattern
I was starting to detect a pattern.
When I was going after something I wanted, like a better job, I was able to up my game. I was able to follow-through with whatever responsibility I had. I finished what I started.
But, when I wasn’t very enthusiastic about something, my follow-through was horrid.
That’s because I just didn’t care.
I’m A Finisher
At this point in my life, if I don’t finish something, I feel guilty.
Heck, I started and finished a business book. A 262 page book.
I’m not perfect, though. I do have a few unfinished projects laying around.
And, I’m okay with that, because I’m okay with myself.
What about you? Are you a finisher?
Is your follow-through superb?
Or, does it need some improvement?
Is there something you need to finish?
About the Author
The Franchise King®, Joel Libava, is a leading franchise expert, author of "Become a Franchise Owner!" and "The Definitive Guide to Franchise Research." Featured in outlets like The New York Times, CNBC, and Franchise Direct, Joel’s no-nonsense approach as a trusted Franchise Ownership Advisor helps aspiring franchisees make smart, informed decisions in their journey to franchise ownership. He owns and operates this franchise blog.
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