Just do it and be done with it

A good reason to do something is to be done with something.

I don’t think it’s weak or wrong to be oriented toward that.

My parents used to say that to my brother and me all the time. Whether it was filling out forms, doing chores, going to the dmv, getting flu shots, or some other form of mild hardship, the mantra was, just do it and be done with it.

Because completion is a beautiful thing. Closing loops, tying up loose ends, ending your involvement with things, what a liberating feeling. Now you don’t have to think about them ever again, or at least, for a long time. It’s over. 

Their encouragement to complete my tasks quickly and without further delay was invaluable. Our family practice of, just do it and be done with it, taught me a straightforward approach to getting jobs done efficiently.

Don’t overthink it. Don’t procrastinate it. Take action decisively and moving on once the task is finished.

I’ve had this mantra on my mind ever since my recent dentist appointment. I was having molar pain for a good three months. To the point where I could barely chew on my left side. My doctor reported that tooth number fifteen was beyond repair. I had this old mercury based cavity that had to go, and the decay underneath had reached a point where restoration wasn’t a viable option.

So the most effective solution would be to extract the tooth to prevent further complications and pain.

She said the procedure is painful and the recovery takes about two weeks, but then you will never have to think about that stupid tooth again. Your mouth will be fine and you won’t miss it.

My response to her was, sure, let me give that no thought. Get it out. Let’s just do it and be done with it.

And the doctor was right about the pain. That procedure was excruciating. Recovery was no picnic either. But the whole time I kept thinking to myself, let’s get through this and it’ll be over.

Get it done, so we can move on.

Are you willing to suffer temporary discomfort for permanent closure? What mantra helps you close open loops and end your involvement with things?