The Finisher

This is a super hero. May not be as fast as Flash, but definitely one of them. My father always wanted me to be one of these among a host of other roles. He was, he is, a super hero. Unfortunately, I’m still a work-in-progress. Simply put, finish the job, finish what you started and finish it well.

As a kid, my father would assign household tasks to me and my brother. Easy, simple tasks, both inside and outside of the house. Watering plants, sweeping, and general cleaning took pride of place. He made sure we finished them, he didn’t push for the finishing touches though; even he knew it was a lost cause, with us. It was early training, early discipline. I rebelled then, the excuses were both colourful and innovative. I only wish he would ask me now; more than three decades later. I’m passing the baton to my own; my whines pale in to insignificance. Their excuses honestly deserve medals; if nothing else, for sheer originality and ingenuity.

Perhaps I lied, when I said, I’m a work-in-progress. When it comes to the harder things in life, I’m always in front. Booking a restaurant, catching a movie, booking the next holiday and spending it; I’ve never faltered. I am more than a super hero and I acquit myself honourably.

Luckily, most of the learning has wormed its way in to my work ethic, perhaps, there isn’t much of a choice when it comes to work. But, it feels good when you finish a job in full, on time or before time.

A few years ago, I heard, a very senior contractor at work advise his colleague just before they sat on a job interview panel. “Get a Finisher!” his voice boomed. We knew, first hand, that he was far from it in his own work ethic.

But the lesson was important. From my perspective, the first step was to keep the lesson in focus. Never losing sight. I don’t count the times I have failed, it’s so chronic, that it’s not even funny.