Unfinished business

Read this if you find it hard to finish what you start.


Photocredit: Unsplash

When was the last time you successfully drew out a plan (in your head or on a piece of paper) and saw it through?


We all have that one project or goal that we've been meaning to complete for months, or even years. But for some reason, we can't just seem to finish it. 


Whether it's a book we've been meaning to read, a workout routine we've been meaning to stick to, or a business idea we've been meaning to launch, it could literally be anything but we all have something we've started yet never finished. So why is it that we don't often finish what we start?


One reason is that we often lack the necessary enthusiasm to see the project through to completion. We may start something with all the excitement in the world, but as time goes on, that initial motivation begins to fade. 


It's kinda like starting a new habit sometimes where it starts with you getting excited about something new, then lapses into something you would rather not do. 


Without a clear purpose or sense of why we're doing something, it can be difficult to remain focused.


Another reason is that we often set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. We may have grand plans for what we want to accomplish, but if we're being honest, we don't have the time, resources, or skills to make it happen.


When we can't live up to our own expectations, we may give up on a project altogether.


Procrastination is also a major reason why we don't finish what we start. We may put off starting a project because we're not sure where to begin, or we may put off completing a project because we're overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done. 


I've read and listened to some accomplished business owners (not gonna point any fingers) that have said that a bit of procrastination is actually a "good" thing and should be scheduled in our planning.


I can't say I disagree but the longer we put something off, the harder it becomes to start, and the more daunting the task becomes.


According to the Parkinson's law, the amount of work allocated to a task will increase its complexity and importance. Meaning - Without a deadline, a task that may need just 2 hours of focused work will take the last minute until the next big task.


What this means is that the amount of time you set for the completion of a task will ultimately affect how quickly you get it done.


Another reason we don't finish what we start is we don't have a clear vision of what the end goal looks like. If we don't have a clear understanding of what we're working towards, it's difficult to stay focused. 


It is important to have a clear vision of the end goal and to break it down into smaller and more manageable steps.


Lastly, (and this is one I've personally struggled with) lack of accountability can also be a major barrier to finishing what we start. When we don't have someone to hold us accountable, it's easy to let things slide and make excuses for why we're not making progress. 


In conclusion, there are many reasons why we don't finish what we start, but by understanding the underlying causes, we can take steps to overcome them. Whether it's setting unrealistic expectations, creating a clear vision, or finding accountability, there are many strategies you can use to stay motivated and focused on completing your projects and achieving your goals. I'll probably make a post on that as well.


Quotes you may like:


"A goal without a plan is just a wish." РAntoine de Saint-Exup̩ry


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs


"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." – Chinese Proverb


"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." – Lao Tzu


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