Finish Strong

The American Singer/Actress Barbara Cook wrote these lyrics many years ago… but the words hold true today.

It’s not where you start it’s where you finish!

It's not how you go, it's how you land.

A hundred to one shot, they call him a klutz

Can out-run the favorite, all he needs is the guts.

Your final return will not diminish

And you can be the cream of the crop;

It's not where you start, it's where you finish,

And you're gonna finish on top.

~~~~~~~

Add Value / Be a Person of Integrity / Finish Strong:

Dedicated, Self-Motivated, Go the Extra Mile, Have Good Character & Integrity, are Consistent…

Those who:

· Don’t despise small beginnings.

· Don’t grow weary in well doing.

John Maxwell says your CHARACTER... 

1. Adds value to many people

2. Builds a legacy for the future

3. Generates respect and integrity

4. Keeps you steady

YOUR CREDENTIALS may get you a position, but your GOOD CHARACTER keeps you steady in that position.

MORE REFERENCES:

Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP)

Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.

Proverbs 16:3 New International Version (NIV)

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Philippians 3:13-14 says...
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." 

Will YOU finish the race?

Many start out good... 

· Good intentions.

· Good goals.

· Good motives.

· Good understanding.

· Good morals.

· Good faith.

· Good testimony.

All don't finish good.

In this talk, I uncover the story of Joseph and how he always rose to the top in spite of many years of adversity.

· Sold into slavery by his brothers at age 17. 

· His dad thought he was dead. 

· Spent 13 years in prison or at Potiphar’s house. 

· He became governor at age 30.

· About 22 years passed… he was separated from his family, falsely accused and imprisoned. 

· But, he always rose to the top. 

In the end Joseph becomes governor and saves an entire nation. His integrity paid off and he was greatly rewarded for his perseverance.

~~~~~~~~~

The most poignant life lesson Dr. Charles Stanley's grandfather taught him was to “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”

~~~~~~~~~

ACTIVITIES FOR MOTIVATION TO FINISH STRONG

1) Come as You Are Event

Everyone comes to the event dressed how they see themselves 10 years from now.

2) Winner/Loser

Time: 5-6 minutes
Number of Participants: Two or more people
Tools Needed: None
Rules: Partner A shares something negative that happened in their life with Partner B. It can be a personal or work-related memory, but it has to be true. Then Partner A discusses the same experience again, but focuses only on the positive aspects. Partner B helps explore the silver lining of the bad experience. Afterward, they switch roles.

Objective: Participants discover how to reframe negative situations into learning experiences together. 

3) Purpose Mingle

Time: 1 - 2 minutes
Number of Participants: Any
Tools Needed: None
Rules: This one is for those of you looking for a great indoor team building game that won't take up much time. Before a meeting, have each individual walk around and share what they hope to contribute to the meeting with as many people as possible. If you want, offer a prize for the person who shares with the most people, and another for the person who successfully contributes what they shared.

Objective: Improves meeting productivity and makes attendees think about how they're going to contribute, rather than just what they hope to get out of the meeting.