We are often told to finish what we
start.
We start so many things,
Especially at the beginning of a New
Year.
Do we really need to finish them all?
Really?
No, not always…
Depends on what it is really, and why
we are doing it in the first place.
We are always in choice.
We are amazing being, capable of
learning, growing and doing.
The key is to use what we learn, to
grow and do better.
To make better choices
So the choice is yours.
Here are some essential points to
consider when choosing what to start:
1.
Be selective
in what you start
When you start on a goal, challenge,
or change, make sure it is something you are passionate about and that it has
meaning to you.
2.
Estimate
the resources you need
Create an outline, mind map, or quick
plan. It doesn’t have to be every detail. Just a quick outline will help. The
point is to have something that guides you.
3.
Budget
your time and energy accordingly
Have a realistic idea of how much
time and effort is needed to complete what you are starting. Plan out your time
and resources accordingly.
A big reason for loss of enthusiasm
or energy is people underestimate the amount of work needed to bring a goal to
life. Good planning of resources help you plan out your energy and
expectations. If you know you have to put in X hours and X work to get the
final output, you’ll manage yourself appropriately to achieve your desired
outcome.
4.
Quit
being a perfectionist
Many of us keep delaying starting
because we want to get it just right?
If your desire for perfectionism is
preventing you from getting things done, release the expectation of perfection
and just start doing the work.
Chunking is a good way to break
bigger goals into more manageable tasks.
First, break the goal into many
little steps, and then focus on one part at the time.
If you still put it off after
breaking it down, then break it down even further into mini pieces. Soon,
you’ll be left with such a simple goal that you’ll be wondering what was
keeping you from doing it from before!
Give yourself the permission to do a
trial run. There’s no need to get it done right the first time. Creating a
trial run, even if it’s an awful one, is better than if you didn’t do anything
at all.
Just get started.
5.
Commit
to it
Once you start, commit to it.
Whatever you have planned, do it.
You are always in choice. Start. Give
yourself permission to rest when you need to.
Stay focused.
6.
Connect
with your end goal
Whenever we begin on a new project,
we’re full of energy and enthusiasm. Then when we get into the thick of things,
this energy fades away, bit by bit. We’re still excited about the overall goal,
but we’re not so hyped about the energy it takes to reach that end goal.
Every little bit you’re doing now
counts toward realizing that end goal.
Surround yourself with anything that
reminds you of the end goal, such as a vision board, pictures of others who
have achieved the same goal, and objects that represent the goal.
7.
Make it
fun
One of the easiest and most
effortless ways to complete a goal is to make it a game.
Give yourself flexibility in which
tasks you will complete to reach your goal.
Mix the task up.
Change your play list.
Dance.
Take breaks.
Invite a friend to join you.
8.
Track
your progress
Tracking your progress helps you
understand how you’re doing and gives you a target to reach. This makes it
easier to keep up with your momentum.
Create a tracking sheet that records
your goals and your current status.
Every week, review your
progress. Tracking makes you accountable to your goal and helps you to stay on
track.
9.
Celebrate
what you’ve done so far
Sometimes we get discouraged with all
the things that need to be done. It seems like no matter how much time we spend,
it’s impossible to finish. The amount of work overwhelms us and we opt out
halfway.
Here’s the thing – Everything you’ve
done so far IS an accomplishment!
Give yourself a huge pat on the back,
a high five, and a big bear hug.
Celebrate the process, the resting,
the doing, the completion, everything.
Take the opportunity to recharge and
regroup. When you’re ready, continue on with what you were doing.
10.
Make
changes when needed
Sometimes we need to adapt or change
our goals if they are not working out.
Use the data you have collected from
the tracking and make choices based on what has worked and what is not showing
progress.
Making choices with purpose to reach
our goals is where we demonstrate our wisdom.
Our wisdom comes from experience. Use
what you know and have learned to better serve you.
Make better choices and keep moving
forward.
~Patti
