The End Is Nigh

That’s a great opening, right? This is the start of Invictus by William Ernest Henley, and I think it is one of the all-time great openings.

There is nothing like a good beginning. It’s an amazing feeling to start something new. Beginnings are filled with promise where anything is possible. Starting something holds a special place in our hearts as we embark on dreams of hope, adventure, financial gain, fame, or satisfaction. Beginnings can be magical.

But today, I want to talk about endings.

As a rule, we aren’t great at ending things (at least in the U.S.). All too often, we fear the end. We rage against the dying of the light. We dread the coming fall. But everything comes to an end eventually. Losing your job can be catastrophic, companies fail every day, and death comes for us all.

But often what we see as an ending is really nothing more than a transition or even an opportunity. When life seems to fall apart, could it be that it is actually falling into place?

So today, let’s explore what makes endings so difficult, why some endings go so well, and why you should consider beginning more projects with the ending in mind.

Winter is coming…

The end of something often looms large. All that excitement about beginning something can turn to stress, shame, or doubt when the end is near. Many cultures have a deep-seated aversion to endings, often seeing them as failures or losses rather than natural parts of the lifecycle. That stigma can make us resist necessary conclusions, whether in business, relationships, or personal projects.

Then there's the hobgoblin of hope. We hang onto things far longer than we should because we hope they’ll turn around. Hope is a powerful force and often gives us solace in times of darkness, something to hold onto when we struggle to keep going. But hope can also work against us. It can cloud our vision when reality is telling us it is time to close up shop or end that relationship.

But there is something empowering about recognizing when hope is no longer serving us. Embracing an end is actually a hopeful act. It allows us to make space for something better to come along.

Developing emotional resilience is key here. It’s about getting comfortable with endings and seeing them as part of a natural cycle. Like finishing a great book or leaving a job where you’ve learned all you can—it’s the end, yes, but also the beginning of whatever’s next.

In his book "Necessary Endings," Henry Cloud talks about how endings aren't just an inevitable part of life but are actually necessary for growth. There’s a reason you need to prune a tree. You have to cut off branches that are dying or have no chance of growth so the rest of the tree can flourish.

Pomp and Circumstance

Why do some endings seem to go so well? It often comes down to how they are framed and the expectations set around them. When an ending is seen not just as a conclusion but as a celebration of accomplishments and a gateway to new opportunities, it alters our emotional response. It helps us embrace the change.

For example, graduating from high school is more than just a mark of finishing school; it’s a rite of passage into adulthood celebrated with pomp and circumstance. It’s built up for years, marked by a significant ceremony, and surrounded by a sense of achievement and excitement about the future. This celebration sets a tone that helps graduates (and their families) view this ending as something more than a conclusion. It’s a transition. So changing our mindset about how we view endings is key. An ending sounds so final, but looking at them as a shift into something else takes the sting out of it and opens us up to the world of new possibilities and excitement that comes with starting something new.

In Japan, there is an ancient tradition called Hanami, which involves the viewing of cherry blossoms. Each spring, people across Japan gather in parks for picnics and parties under the flowering trees. This celebration is not just about enjoying the beauty of the blossoms but also about reflecting on the ephemeral nature of life. The trees bloom brilliantly and then quickly fade and fall, a reminder that all things come to an end. This is a deeply philosophical cultural practice that teaches acceptance of the transient nature of life. Hanami is a perfect metaphor for positive endings—it allows people to celebrate the peak of beauty and then gracefully let go, recognizing that the end is as natural and essential as the beginning.

These examples show that when endings are anticipated, celebrated, and marked as significant transitions, they are not only easier to accept but can also propel us forward. Structuring endings with clear rituals and celebrations helps frame them as positive and natural parts of our journeys. It’s about celebrating what has been accomplished and eagerly anticipating what’s next, turning what could be a somber farewell into more of an exciting prologue to the next story.

Start With the End

It might feel strange to begin anything new with the ending in mind (and it’s probably not too good for your dating life). But the idea of starting with the ending isn't just a thought experiment—it’s a strategic approach that can really change how people and businesses plan and execute their visions.

If you focus on the final outcome you can make sure that every action is in line with the end goal, making the entire process more efficient and focused. Here’s how you can apply this approach:

• Project Planning. Begin each project by defining what success looks like. Work backward to establish critical tasks, allocate resources, and set deadlines that lead directly to these outcomes.

• Product Development. Before developing a new product, envision the customer's final experience. What needs does it satisfy? How does it improve upon existing options? Answering these questions upfront can guide design and marketing strategies to better meet consumer expectations.

• Career Development. Ask employees to define their career goals and desired endpoints. Tailor training and professional development activities to bridge the gap between their current skills and the skills needed to achieve these ends.

Applying an 'End in Mind' approach also applies to daily life. Here are a few examples:

• Daily Tasks: At the start of each day, consider what you wish to accomplish by the end of the day. Organize your tasks by priority to lock in with these daily goals.

• Long-Term Goals: For bigger objectives, outline the ultimate goal and then break it down into smaller, manageable projects. Review and adjust your plans as needed to stay on course toward your long-term vision.

• Meeting Preparation: Before scheduling a meeting, define its purpose and desired outcomes. Prepare an agenda that works backwards from these outcomes, ensuring every topic discussed contributes directly to achieving them. This helps keep meetings focused and productive.

Conclusion

Finishing strong is crucial, no matter the circumstances. The end leaves a lasting impression. Concluding something badly can harm future opportunities, tarnish your legacy, and take away from your overall experience.

Think back to Invictus. Just as its beginning is powerful, so is its ending: "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." This strong conclusion drives home the poem's theme of resilience and control over one's destiny. And every time I think of it, I feel stronger and more focused.

It can be difficult to distinguish between when it's right to keep hoping and when it's time to initiate an ending. You have to be honest with yourself. Consider whether hope is serving your long-term goals or merely delaying the inevitable. Practicing viewing unwanted endings as transitions rather than conclusions can help reframe your mindset. After all, every ending leads to a new beginning. And there is nothing like a good beginning.

One more thing…

You may have noticed the rabbit didn’t run your way in the last couple of weeks. A few weeks ago, I said I was going to downshift a bit because I’ve been so busy. Well, the good news is that I appear to be emerging from the bedlam of spring, and summer should allow me to get back on track with writing. So, look for Chief Rabbit every Sunday or Monday going forward.

Finally, happy Father’s Day to all those great dads out there. I got a nap today and will likely grill later, so I am following the dad handbook to a tee. I hope my fellow fathers got some rest, can crack a beer, and have been able to share a few extra dad jokes today. Speaking of which, I’ve started telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried grapes. It’s about raisin awareness.