Many people start their day with the idea that they need to, “get something done.” It is a great idea and with enthusiasm they often spring into action with just that goal. Later in the day others may ask, “What did you get done today?” Often the reply is delivered with hesitation, thoughts of what was accomplished sometimes are absent from their mind; perhaps not because they accomplished very little, but because they are still focused on getting something done.
Completing a task, a project, or a work of art is important, it gives us (or someone) value and a sense of accomplishment. However, the real story here may be that true success comes from never being finished. Because when you are finished, you are in fact, done.
People, machines, and technology get something done. They build the fastest car, the most luxurious home, and the tallest building. Other people use skills and technology to create the funniest TV commercial, the tear jerker movie, or the greatest marketing campaign. Still other people prescribe a drug for relief, help heel a broken bone, or perform life-saving surgery. And there are still other people who teach children, monitor investments, and wait tables or serve food.
They do all of these things, but they are never really finished. Only until the next car, building, movie watcher, consumer, client, patient, or someone else does it different or better. Only until they do it with less cost, less waste, and with better profit margins.
When you approach your work today strive to get something done, enjoy the moment when you finish, because tomorrow you will start all over again. That is of course, unless you want to be done.
Never finish.
– DEG
Dennis Gilbert is a keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and consultant that specializes in helping businesses accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. Reach him through his website at http://Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
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Photo Credit: Stephan Ridgway
