“I am your teacher and you are learning in my school. My aim is to bring you to completion, unhindered, free from compulsive behavior, unrestrained, without shame, free, flourishing, and happy, looking to God in things great and small–your aim is to learn and diligently practice all these things. Why then don’t you complete the work, if you have the right aim and I have both the right aim and right preparation? What is missing?…The work is quite feasible, and is the only thing in your power…Let go of the past. We must only begin. Believe me and you will see.” ~ Epictetus, Discourses, 2.19.29-34
Inspired by The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
I am so guilty of starting projects and not finishing. I need to evaluate myself and find why this happens. My issue is that I can be unorganized. I need to become more organized to accomplish everything I want to accomplish. There could be other reasons for any of us not being able to bring our work to a proper conclusion as well. It could be fear, lack of motivation, or disinterest. We may need to move on to something else that excites us. But that doesn’t mean there will be no challenges. If there is something you want to accomplish, you need to leap these hurdles. After all, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it. Getting started is a great first step. Then you’ll need to do what it takes to succeed. In order to stay motivated, you need to discover your “Why”. Why did you start this project. Once you know your “Why,” you will have the power to move through any obstacle.
