Do you struggle with finishing what you started? Learn how to overcome procrastination and achieve your goals with these simple and effective researched tips.
Have you ever started a project, a course, a book, or a diet with great enthusiasm and motivation, only to abandon it halfway through? If so, you are not alone. Many people struggle with finishing what they started, and end up feeling frustrated, guilty, and disappointed with themselves.
Why We Don’t Finish What We Start
There are many reasons why we might not finish what we start. We might lose interest, encounter unexpected obstacles, or become overwhelmed by the size of the task. Understanding these challenges is the first step towards overcoming them.
Procrastination is one of the main reasons why people fail to complete their tasks and goals. Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing something that needs to be done, usually because of fear, boredom, or lack of interest. Procrastination can have negative consequences for your productivity, your self-esteem, and your happiness.
There is a way to overcome procrastination and finish what you started. In this article, we explore the importance of seeing your goals through to the end. We share with you some simple and effective strategies that will help you stay focused, motivated, and committed to your goals. By following these tips, you will be able to finish what you started and enjoy the satisfaction and rewards of your achievements. But first;
The Importance of Finishing What You Start
Completing tasks, especially those that require a significant amount of time and effort, brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It boosts our self-confidence and proves to ourselves that we can achieve what we set out to do.
Moreover, each completed task, no matter how small, is a step towards achieving bigger goals. The habit of finishing what you start can therefore be a powerful tool in personal development and success.
Think about a puzzle. Each piece contributes to the whole, and only when every piece is in place does the picture emerge. Similarly, completing what you started brings a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. It’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about experiencing the satisfaction of a job well done.
Strategies to Finish What You Start
#1: Break down your goal into smaller and manageable steps
One of the reasons why people procrastinate is because they feel overwhelmed by the size or complexity of their goal. They think that it is too hard, too time-consuming, or too boring to accomplish. They lose sight of the big picture and the benefits of achieving their goal.
To avoid this, you need to break down your goal into smaller and manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to write a book, you can break it down into chapters, sections, paragraphs, and sentences. If your goal is to run a marathon, you can break it down into miles, minutes, and seconds. By doing this, you will make your goal more realistic, more achievable, and more fun. You will also be able to track your progress and celebrate your milestones.
#2: Set a deadline and stick to it
Another reason why people procrastinate is because they lack a sense of urgency or accountability. They think that they have plenty of time to finish their task, or that no one will notice or care if they don't. They postpone their task until the last minute, or until it is too late.
To avoid this, you need to set a deadline and stick to it. A deadline is a specific date or time by which you need to finish your task. A deadline creates a sense of urgency and accountability, and motivates you to take action. A deadline also helps you prioritize your tasks and avoid distractions.
To set a realistic and effective deadline, you need to consider the following factors:
- The scope and difficulty of your task.
- The resources and support that you have or need.
- The potential obstacles and risks that you may face.
- The consequences and rewards of finishing or not finishing your task.
Once you have set your deadline, you need to write it down, mark it on your calendar, and share it with someone who can hold you accountable, such as a friend, a family member, a coach, or a mentor.
#3: Create a positive and supportive environment
Another reason why people procrastinate is because they are influenced by their environment. They are surrounded by distractions, temptations, or negative influences that prevent them from focusing on their task. They are also affected by their own emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that undermine their confidence and motivation.
To avoid this, you need to create a positive and supportive environment that will help you finish what you started. A positive and supportive environment is one that:
- Provides you with the tools, materials, and information that you need to complete your task.
- Eliminates or minimizes the distractions, temptations, or negative influences that may interfere with your task.
- Encourages, inspires, and motivates you to keep going and finish your task.
- Rewards, praises, and acknowledges your efforts and achievements.
To create a positive and supportive environment, you may need to do the following:
- Choose a suitable place and time to work on your task, where you can concentrate and be comfortable.
- Turn off or silence your phone, email, social media, and other notifications that may distract you.
- Inform your friends, family, colleagues, and others that you are working on your task and ask them not to disturb you.
- Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks that are relevant, uplifting, or relaxing.
- Use positive affirmations, quotes, or images that remind you of your goal and why you want to achieve it.
- Join or create a group, community, or network of people who share your goal and can support you along the way.
- Reward yourself with something that you enjoy or value after completing a step or reaching a milestone.
#4: Start with the easiest or most enjoyable part
Another reason why people procrastinate is because they dread or dislike the task that they need to do. They think that it is too boring, too tedious, too difficult, or too unpleasant to do. They avoid or resist doing it, and end up wasting time and energy.
To avoid this, you need to start with the easiest or most enjoyable part of your task. The easiest or most enjoyable part is the one that:
- Requires the least amount of effort, skill, or knowledge.
- Gives you the most amount of pleasure, satisfaction, or reward.
- Sparks your interest, curiosity, or creativity.
By starting with the easiest or most enjoyable part, you will be able to:
- Overcome your initial inertia and resistance.
- Build your momentum and confidence.
- Generate positive emotions and associations with your task.
- Increase your motivation and enthusiasm.
For example, if your task is to write a report, you can start with the introduction, the conclusion, or the part that you are most familiar with or interested in. If your task is to clean your house, you can start with your favorite room, your favorite activity, or the part that is most visible or rewarding.
#5: Remind yourself of the benefits and consequences of finishing or not finishing your task
Another reason why people procrastinate is because they forget or ignore the benefits and consequences of finishing or not finishing their task. They focus on the short-term costs or pains of doing their task, rather than the long-term benefits or gains of completing their task. They also fail to consider the negative outcomes or risks of not doing their task, or the positive alternatives or opportunities of doing their task.
To avoid this, you need to remind yourself of the benefits and consequences of finishing or not finishing your task. The benefits and consequences are the outcomes or results that you will experience or achieve as a result of your actions or inactions. The benefits and consequences can be:
- Personal or professional
- Internal or external
- Tangible or intangible
- Immediate or delayed
To remind yourself of the benefits and consequences, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- What will I gain or lose by finishing or not finishing my task?
- How will I feel or think about myself by finishing or not finishing my task?
- How will others perceive or treat me by finishing or not finishing my task?
- What opportunities or challenges will I create or miss by finishing or not finishing my task?
By answering these questions, you will be able to:
- Clarify your purpose and vision for your task.
- Strengthen your commitment and determination for your task.
- Increase your sense of responsibility and accountability for your task.
- Enhance your self-esteem and self-efficacy for your task.
In conclusion, finishing what you started is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. Think about that project you left half-done. It’s time to pick it up again. Commit to finishing what you started. The world needs your completed puzzle piece. Success awaits those who persist. You have to finish what you started. GROW YOUR GRIT!
You can do it!
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