Monday, March 27, 2017

I often find myself in situations where the beginning is grand, but the ending turns out to be disappointingly modest. Back in my university days, I once resolved to study English seriously and enrolled in an early morning class. But after three or four sessions, that once-promising class quietly drifted out of my life. Similarly, I have made elaborate New Year’s resolutions, only to become indifferent within days, as if I had never made those plans at all. I’ve subscribed to magazines with the intent of reading regularly, only to watch them pile up unread. My beginnings are always ambitious, but the endings often pale in comparison.

Yet this modest ending does not necessarily equate to failure. If we define a modest ending as failure, the quality of our conclusions is bound to suffer. A modest ending, rather than signaling failure to achieve a grand goal, might instead reflect a careless attitude toward bringing closure to what we started. I recall a time in college when I decided to quit a club, feeling I had nothing more to gain and was wasting my time. Out of discomfort—or perhaps fear of judgment—I told just one member I was quitting and asked them to inform the others on my behalf. Looking back, I realize that was an irresponsible way to end something I had once committed to, disregarding the time and experiences shared with others.

A hallmark of poor-quality endings is that they make returning difficult. When I was working, I noticed that some former employees would visit the company to chat with old colleagues. It seemed they had left on good terms, with proper closure, allowing them to return without awkwardness. On the other hand, someone who exited poorly might find it difficult—even impossible—to return, even if absolutely necessary.

Rejection is perhaps where the quality of an ending is most clearly revealed. Whether you are the one rejecting or being rejected, some people walk away coldly and irresponsibly, thinking they owe nothing more to the organization or individuals involved. But even in those moments, it’s possible to bring things to a close with grace and a sense of responsibility. While the rejection itself remains unchanged, the quality of the ending can differ greatly—and with it, the likelihood of future opportunities may change as well.

In the end, I’ve realized that it’s the conclusion, not the beginning, that deserves more attention. Anyone can start something, but finishing well is far more difficult. That is why I must become a high-quality closer—someone who elevates the standard of how things are brought to an end in my life.

---

“Ending well is as important as starting.
True success comes with proper closure.
Through the process, we gain experience.
From experience, we build confidence.
The most powerful weapon is the one only you can create for yourself.
Closer: The end is quality.”
— Memorable quote from an old baseball documentary

Monday, March 27, 2017 @ Wageningen, Netherlands

---