Last week we spoke about commencement.

Starting creative endeavours.

This week I want to talk about continuation.

(Next, we’ll touch on Completion).

You need to get these three elements down. Each requires a different (but similar) set of skills.

Another way to say it would be that you have to Start, and then Sustain to Succeed.

Being able to continue beyond that promising beginning is what makes the difference.

Remember this, gumption gets you going, grit keeps you going.

It’s often easy to put your all into beginning something. Whether a creative or spiritual endeavour the start of something can be spicy. The anticipation, curiosity, excitement and novelty fuel the early stages. But it takes stamina to continue. It takes faith to carry a project forward beyond the initial thrill.

There are ways to ensure that the fuel in your engine doesn't run dry.

The same applies to the development of your spiritual and prayer life, marriage, and other aspects of your pilgrimage here on the blue ball. Shifting gear for the Continuation stage is what’s required. With the right gear locked in, you’ll cruise your way to completion.

Continuation Pains

It’s easy to lose steam once the novelty wanes. The grand mountain of unfinished opuses climbs to the sky. Hard drives are the graveyard for half-written books and other creative adventures.

Is that true of you? Has your resolve to make something awesome come to a standstill?

Pick yourself back up, brush yourself down, and continue.

Don’t kick yourself for falling off the wagon.

If you started something, perhaps many things, and have not brought them to completion, let yourself off the hook. Stop beating yourself up, and don't define yourself by the things that you've not done.

Many people don't even take that first step. You've done that, and that’s something that you should commend yourself for.

But now’s the time to apply that same creative fire that helped you to instigate and initiate to build and breakthrough.

So first thing, forgive yourself.

Dust down.

Climb back on the horse.

And let’s tame and take that stallion to the finish line.