What are we working on? And what have we left behind? Plans may have stalled. Commitments may have faded over time. Perhaps goals were put in place, but left unfinished.
When we look back, do we see those “Coulda Woulda Shoulda” moments? Credibility requires us to finish what we started, even if it’s not convenient.
There is no higher proof of character
than to finish what you promised
when it is no longer convenient.
— Charles Spurgeon
Watch "Coulda Woulda Shoulda" on the Educators Among Us Podcast
"Coulda, Shoulda, and Woulda" are three cousins that haunt present memories.
"Coulda" reminds of choices that we could have made to pursue a greater path.
"Shoulda" painfully scolds us with regret for decisions we should have made.
"Woulda" loves to bring up those goals and dreams of yesterday that would've been great if not for fear of failure, aversion to risk, and inability to prioritize.
What some call impossible is merely imagination waiting for the courage to go.
Promises are the uniquely human way
of ordering the future, making it predictable
and reliable to the extent that this is humanly possible.
— Hannah Arendt
In a world adrift in unfinished books, lesson plans, campaigns, and projects, those who get it done are distinguished as masters of self-fulfilling habits. Nothing builds trust and confidence with others (and within ourselves) like following through on our commitments, finishing what we said we would do. That's a rare quality found among the most effective and successful people.
Fulfilling our promises results from character more than intelligence or talent.
Now finish the work, so that your eager
willingness to do it may be matched by your
completion of it, according to your means.
― 2 Corinthians 8:1
We all have to count the cost to assess the potential risks, but we also have to know when it's time to quit counting and start mounting. Declaring, Let's Ride!
In the end, inaction feels worse than inability. Better an oops than a what if.
The tragedy of life so often isn't that we lack aspirational potential, but that we endlessly negotiate ourselves out of the decisions that would enable our goals. So, decide what must be done, make progress, and find joy in finishing the work.
Work on the right things, not just the busy things. Focus your remarkable talents to see the right things through and to beautifully finish.
Listen to "Coulda Woulda Shoulda" on the Educators Among Us Podcast
