The following is from Toddrrhoades.com. 
Seems appropriate to begin a new year. 

Finishing Well

It’s always our hope to finish well.

Finishing is the best part of the race.

But races are not a walk in the park. They are a race.

Races are grueling, exhausting, and stretch you beyond what you think you’re capable of doing.

And many people stop... midway.

As the year begins, many who are reading this are thinking “I just can’t do another year like 2011″.

The temptation is there for you to stop... mid-race.

Don’t do it.

Maybe 2012 will bring some different circumstances. A breakthrough. A job change. A victory on something you’ve been working on for years.

Or maybe it will suck, just like 2011.

Who knows.

But don’t quit.

Don’t end the race poorly.

End the race like Paul did. With his head held high, knowing he did his level best.

But don’t just quit ’cause it’s hard. You were warned it would be hard when you started.

Persevere. Press on. Finish the race.