Start, then finish (DW#320)
While some of us have a hard time starting things, there are others of us who are "chronic starters". We are high achievers, we aim high and we always have a ton of projects on the go.
Finishing those projects, or completing those goals, however, is another story (again, don’t ask how I know this . . . ). Perfectionism greets us along the way and uses every tactic under the sun to block us from getting to the finish line.
I just finished reading a great book by Jon Acuff: Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done. It is full of practical ideas on beating perfectionism and completing projects. And it is SUPER FUNNY (was laughing out aloud throughout J )
Here are the three things that I am working on, inspired by this book, to get to the finish line:
Cut your goals in half
This sounds contrary to what we have been talking about, but it is not. We tend to overestimate what we can do in a given amount of time (in the future, that is, not in the present). We always think we will have more time tomorrow . . .or next week . . .
We want to change everything all at once.
And when we realise that we can’t, we give up on the whole project.
Sound familiar?
To get to the finish line, simply set one big goal in a particular area of your life. And focus on that until you are done.
Expect that new ideas WILL try to sidetrack you along the way. RESIST the temptation and keep going on the goal you are working on
Expect resistance and failure along the way
You are highly unlikely to do it perfectly and consistently. When you have a bad day (or a week) and get nothing done, congratulate yourself for being human.
And then simply get back on rather than tanking the whole project (because you are not doing it perfectly)
Keep moving.
The closer you get to the finish line, the stronger the resistance is likely to get.
Notice it getting stronger.
And keep moving.
Choose what to give up
Contrary to what popular memes might have you believe, you can’t do it all and you can’t have it all. At least not all at the same time. Our time is limited and our dreams and ambitions limitless . . .
Give yourself permission to not be a super (man-woman-human).
Choose what you are going to give up on while you are working on something else.
Hope this helps to get us to the finish line.
Good luck. The world is waiting for what we have to offer.
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