End or Beginning?

“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” 

Winston Churchill

End of the Beginning: Means we have made a start and are now moving in a new direction towards our new goal. Well I would like to believe that is the case for most people. With the end of the year fast approaching I have looked back on the year and tried to recall what impact I have had. Where have I made a difference and where have I fallen short and can improve on for next year. A bit of reflection is always good as it can bring you back to point where you can take stock again. Revalue where your time has been spent or where it should have been spent. Also look at where you have sacrificed important moments for something of urgency but of lower significance. Take stock!

With that reflection, check your direction again and make sure it is where you need to be going or make the necessary adjustments. Sometimes we can be so busy fighting the daily battles, that we lose sight of the goal we have set and can be blown off-course. Check your compass, trim those sails and put the ship back on course. With a few working weeks left of 2014, make the final push and put in the effort to finish strong. Even if you don’t do it for your employer, do it for yourself. Be proud of the job you are doing and do it to your best abilities. As soon as “good enough” creeps in, it can perpetuate through everything you are involved in. It is also contagious. At a time when everyone is feeling burnt out and having very little of oneself to give, “good enough” finds easy rooting. The only way to combat it, is to make a conscious decision to be better with your own contribution. I believe this can be equally contagious if carried out with the right attitude.

So perhaps let this end of year period be a new beginning of greatness. Prove to yourself you have what it takes to finish strong and go into the holiday season knowing you have completed the year as best you possibly could have.