“It’s not how you start but how you finish that matters” has been embraced by many to undermine the importance of the start. The start matters.
Paying attention to how you start can set you on a trajectory that a careless and half-hearted start won’t. You can get ahead from the start. It doesn’t make sense for you to not put effort into a great start if you have the opportunity and means for it. “How you finish is what matters” has its place, but cannot be used as an excuse for a careless start.
“How you finish is what matters” is necessary motivation for inevitable challenges along the way.
If you have the slimmest chance for a great start, seize it. Maximise on it.
Great starts involve planning and preparation. They involve getting a clear picture of what lies ahead and the reasons for pursuits. It involves building moment right out the gate.
The care and passion you place at the start can help draw enabling attention. Being intentional at the start often attracts pioneers and those who love the new. Without a well thought-out and actioned start you’re not likely to draw the pioneers, the trailblazers.
Put a little more love your start, it might define the rest of the journey. In fact, it will define the greater part of your journey.
I’m convinced that a great start reduces the probability of failure. I have been part of projects that have failed because they started badly. We did finish but didn’t have to finish when we did. The reason we finished prematurely, with failure seasoned, was because we weren’t careful with the start.
Perhaps you need to take a little more time defining where you’re going or what you want to build. Perhaps looking into who else you can enlist to you cause. Perhaps you need someone to look from the outside on what you’re working on.
Do a little more work at the start but don’t let it stop you from starting. Don’t not start but don’t start carelessly either. Dare. Start.
Be bold. Be /ˈherətik/.