The first cut is the deepest (Cat Stevens)

Photo by Anna Podráczky on Unsplash

This quote from James Clear almost works for me:

"First or last?

Sometimes the first move is the most important. The first set in the gym. Now you're working out. The first sentence. Now you're writing. The first call. Now you're in the game.

Other times, the last move is the most important. The last brick. Now the building is built. The last line of code. Now the app works. The last round of revisions. Now you can ship it.

What do you need to focus on right now? First or last? Do you need to start or finish?"

I get it but I don't think it's an either/or situation.

The first and last track on a record are equally important but for different reasons. One sets up the mood, grabs attention, hooks the listener and the other seals the deal, finishes on a climax, leaves you breathless with wonder and exhilaration or wanting more.

Take the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album for instance. The first track could only be Sgt. Pepper's. The last could only be A Day In The Life.

In my opinion, the same holds true for books, films, poems, essays and projects that are undertaken.

The start has to be planned, worked on, drafted, polished for maximum impact and the conclusion has to satisfy in some way.

Literature and film are full of things that have a weak start or ending. 

Both are crucial.