The enthusiasm of starting something new always inspires us and propels us into action. However, very often we find our energy, enthusiasm, and focus waning as we move ahead, and if we look back, we may well find a string of well-intentioned initiatives that we abandoned mid-way or completed half-heartedly, struggling towards the end. Starting something new is easy, it is the last mile that is the toughest.

Often we tire out towards the end and compromise excellence, delivering just a basic level of what is acceptable. But if we remind ourselves that not only are we capable of better, but it is our highest duty to always give our best, we learn to overcome our tiredness with renewed enthusiasm.

Even though we have had prior experience and we know that the going often gets uphill, we get agitated with challenges and give up when we may have been very close to achieving what we wanted to. A good marathon runner visualises the course, including the stretch where he knows the going will get tough. Preparation before we start helps sustain us till the end.

The beauty of things often lies in the details. But detailing needs a level of self-application that may well differentiate between mediocrity and brilliance. An architect and an artist deliver their best when their commitment to detail doesn’t waver towards the end.

Sometimes life tests our patience and faith. When things take longer than expected, there comes a time we just want to get over with it. Building our faith and perseverance sees us through.

There are times we feel a sense of discontent. It is not that we are lacking in things or necessarily have a crisis on hand. When we sit in silence and reflect upon it, we may well realise that deep down we know there were times we could have done better but didn’t give our best at the end. Given a choice, we would like to go back in time and complete so many things differently.

And life gives us that opportunity, starting today. An opportunity to make a commitment to ourselves that we will give our very best till the very end. But that conviction will only sustain if we inspire ourselves with the simple realisation – it is not just starting something, but traveling the last mile with as much enthusiasm, dedication, and inspiration that makes all the difference.

(Picture-Golf Course at St.Andrews, Scotland)