Finish What You Start, Or Don’t

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