It’s easy to start things. We do it all the time. We start diets, exercise programs, repair projects and chores. The problem is that we sometimes fail to finish what we start.
Often when that happens, we find ways to excuse our actions. We find ways to step over our good intentions and move forward without second thoughts or regrets. There are times, however, that we find ourselves bothered by our lack of ability to follow through. This might be a time for the simple reminder from the Cowboy Code.
The Cowboy Code of Ethics says, “Always finish what you start.” Another succinct admonition by which to order our lives.
I think sometimes we feel that the reason we are unable to finish what we start is that we take on way too much to begin with. The more we do it, the more accustomed we become to taking on more than we can handle. It becomes habitual.
Perhaps the best answer to this dilemma is to keep our promises manageable. Refuse to take on more than we can handle. If we are to Always finish what we start, perhaps we need to be more reasonable about our expectations of self.
I’m thinking that the ultimate evidence of self-care lies in our ability to know our limitations and live within them. Only then can we Always finish what we start.
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
