The Choice to Finish

Luke 14:28

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Jesus shows several critical principles it takes to get to the finish line. There was a vision to build a tower. There were intentions to build a tower. There were plans made to build a tower. There was consideration of the cost to build the tower. There were actions taken to build the tower. Finally, the tower was finished. All of these steps are critical if you will finish every project that you start.

However, finishing is a choice just as much as quitting is. You may choose to quit what you started out to finish, but the regrets and wonder later in life will be great if you choose to quit. I find in my life that there are several things I do to get to the finish line.

First, I choose not to quit. You must be determined to finish if you ever want to see the finish line. Determination is the key to driving you when times get hard. Determination is what keeps you going when the excitement wears out. Determination is what pushes you if you choose to get to the finish line. Nobody can make you determined, but you must choose to be determined to finish.

Second, I choose to turn obstacles into challenges on my way to finishing. Instead of allowing obstacles to be the excuse to quit, it ought to challenge you to find a way to overcome them. The difference between the quitter and the finisher is that the finisher allows the obstacles to challenge them to come up with a way to overcome, whereas the quitter just gives up. Your mindset when obstacles come is what will determine whether you quit or finish.

Third, I choose to make plans daily for what I will complete. There are several finish lines on the way to finishing, and every finish line is a victory that encourages you that you can finish. This might be one of the greatest keys to finishing. I tend to break down my tasks into daily plans, which is what keeps me from being overwhelmed by the hugeness of the task. Many people quit because they can't handle the pressure of the whole task, when they could have relieved themselves of some of the pressure by breaking down the project into several projects. You will find that each project you finish will encourage you to keep going.

Fourth, I choose not to listen to the naysayers who say it can't be done. You will find there are a plethora of negative people who will discourage you, so the best way not to let them influence you is to avoid them. Oh, there will be times when you must put up with their negativity, but on the whole, you should plan your time to stay away from them. When you must be with them, plan what you will talk about so they can't shovel their negativity into your mind and destroy your determination and spirit.

Fifth, I choose to remind myself of the purpose of starting the project. This is another critical key to finishing. You had a purpose for starting the project, so take time daily to remind yourself of the purpose for which you started your project. That daily reminder will help you to keep going when you are having a bad day.

Finishing is a choice, but only you can make that choice. Make the choice to finish, and never reconsider that choice when you hit a wall; you will finish your project.