The most common interpretation of this Latin motto is ‘the ends justifies the means’. Which suggests dark deeds. Perhaps some laws bent. Palms greased. Ask no questions. A nudge is as good as a wink.

As long as the goal is reached, the champagne will flow.

The end result is all that matters.

Except not quite! Not in our book. We’re far more interested in where the saying originated. So here goes…

The phrase has been traced as far back as the reign of Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, and is attributed to Ovid, a Roman poet of that time, and younger contemporary of Virgil and Horace.

Fittingly for a man of words, the phrase has a more positive spin: the true value of a work of art is only realised once finished.

The measure of a task or venture is in its completion.

It’s the wondrous gift of hindsight.

We can’t always appreciate things when we’re on the journey. It’s only when we reach the destination and look back, we can see how far we’ve come. How much we’ve achieved.

Yepper, a little of the philosophical to brighten your neck mess.

You may not be able to see it right now but all the effort, devotion and dedication will pay off. Somehow. Somewhere along the way.

You may not yet know what goal you’re striving for. But you’ll know where you were headed when you get there.

All will be revealed. In time.

All will be worth it.