Do you have difficulty staying focused and consistently making progress on projects? You are not alone. Knowing how to finish what you start is an essential skill for success in any area. Finishing what you start can seem like such a simple task, just a quick outline away from completion. Starting or committing to a new project, perhaps your performance is just as important as finishing it. So how do you ensure that the effort put in will be worth it?
Self-discipline and how much resources you dedicate to a project are key when it comes to turning those ideas into reality. If you’re finding yourself stuck in the mud, here are 16 tips on how to finish what you start.
In this Article:
What does finish what you started mean?
Finish what you start means just that – completing a task or project from start to finish. This could be anything – whether it’s just a quick outline of an idea, building a new project, achieving a personal goal like losing weight, or improving your performance at work. It can be hard to stay focused on the big picture when there are just so many small tasks and nitty-gritty details that need to be taken care of along the way. But just like any other goal, setting a clear plan and timeline for yourself can help keep you on track towards achieving it.
How do you end what I started?
Following through and finishing what you start- more valuable skills than you realize. Here are my 16 best tips on how to finish the projects you start:
1. Drop-and-go approach
It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes just jumping in and taking action is the best resource planning. Reacting to a realistic idea can be just what you need to get the project going.
2. Set realistic expectations and resource planning
The first step in finishing what you started is to just get started. It sounds straightforward and easy, but breaking down a project into smaller tasks and setting realistic deadlines can help keep things manageable and reduce procrastination. You’ll also want to stay organized with progress tracking, resource planning, and periodic drops of just-in-time motivation (like a big bear hug when you reach the finish line).
3. Have a clear idea of how many resources are required
Before you start, take your time to make an outline or plan for how much resources (time, money, manpower etc.) will be needed from start to finish. This will give you a realistic idea of just how much commitment will be required for success.
4. Track your progress
Make sure that at every step of the way, you are keeping track of your progress. Set up project sheets or to-do lists and make sure that you document every step forward and any setbacks as well. Create a project sheet that records your targets and your current status. Specify the same goal for each action item and make sure the timeline is achievable.
5. Stay motivated by having the same goal in mind
No matter how long a project may be, it’s important to keep the same goal in mind throughout its duration. This will help maintain your focus and remind yourself why you started this project in the first place. Eliminate obstacles by having personally meaningful reasons to complete the project and make sure you finish it.
6. Be open to new ideas in the future
As you work on your project, stay open to new ideas that might arise throughout the process. Don’t just stick with what was outlined at first; instead, allow yourself to explore different paths if needed.
7. Set realistic deadlines, then stick to them
It’s all too easy to get carried away and set unrealistic deadlines, just because you’re eager for success. Instead, break your project down into smaller tasks that are manageable within a certain time frame. When it comes to tasks like this, it pays off to be organized and efficient. beating procrastination easily
8. Take breaks as necessary
It’s important to stay on top of your project, but don’t forget to take a breather occasionally. Taking just a few minutes to move away from the project and just breathe can help you stay focused. This will help keep you energized, give your mind some rest, and provide just the right amount of motivation needed to finish the job promptly.
9. Don’t lose interest in the nitty-gritty tasks
Sometimes, projects require a lot of tedious work to get done. Although it can be tempting to just drop and go, don’t forget that these tasks are just as important as any other part of your project. Take the time to do them correctly, and keep your motivation high by setting small goals for yourself.
10. Things don’t have to be perfect
How many times have you stalled a project due to your desire for it to be perfect? Although admirable, perfectionism can put the brakes on getting things done. Instead, just focus on the desired outcome, and don’t let yourself get sidetracked.
11. Beat distractions and remain focused
We all know how hard it can be to stay focused on a task at hand, especially when there’s just so much out there that can distract us. To avoid succumbing to a case of mental traps, try setting realistic deadlines and separating your project time from other activities like socializing.
12. Make a personal timeline for your project
Make sure you establish a personal timeline for your project and stick to it as closely as possible. This will help ensure that you don’t lose focus or interest in the task at hand and that you remain on track throughout the entire process.
13. Try out new ideas as necessary
If you find yourself getting bored or hitting a wall during your project, don’t just give up – try out new ideas instead! This could be just what you need to get that creativity flowing and help you reach the finish line.
14. Give yourself a big bear hug when you reach the finish line
No matter how big or small your project is, it’s important to take a moment and celebrate your success when you’re done. Give yourself that big bear hug for accomplishing something great – no matter how hard it was!
15. Connect with your end vision
Instead of just focusing on the present moment, connect with your end vision – what will you have accomplished? What difference will it make to you and others? Keeping this in mind can help give you the motivation you need to stay focused and finish what you start.
16. If things are not working out, don’t force it
Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to keep going with a project or idea if you are unable to progress or have lost interest. It’s important not just to move on, but also to take the time to reflect and understand what went wrong and how you can do better for your next project.
Why do I struggle to finish what I started?
The answer to this question can vary from person to person, but the most common reasons are procrastination and lack of motivation.
Procrastination
Putting off work, even when you know it needs to be done, is an easy way to lose interest and focus. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for you to get started again. To avoid Procrastination, try breaking down the project into smaller milestones with a to do list or give yourself a deadline- and make sure to stick to it.
Lack of motivation
To finish what you start, you need to have some motivation in the first place. Often, this just means having personally meaningful reasons for taking on the task and knowing how completing it will benefit you. If the task isn’t something that you naturally find interesting or motivating, it can be helpful to do some research and gain a better understanding of why it’s important.
Not planning properly
Having a plan and sticking to it is key when starting any project. It’s important to outline the tasks that need to be completed, set realistic goals, and track your progress. If you don’t have a plan in place, it can be easy to lose focus or get overwhelmed with what needs to be done.
Not setting the right expectations
Having an unrealistic idea of how much work you can get done in a day or week is just setting yourself up for disappointment. It’s important to understand your limits and be realistic about how much progress you can make in a given period of time.
Fear of failure
We all have our fears associated with starting something new, whether it’s fear of failure or just not wanting to put in the effort. It can be helpful to have someone else- a friend, family member, or mentor- alongside you as you work on your project, just to lend some extra motivation and support when needed.
Conclusion
The takeaway here is that you need to find what works for you in terms of completing projects and goals. Some people work best with deadlines, while others need more flexibility. Ultimately, the goal is to get things done and feel good about yourself and your accomplishments. Try out some of these tips and see which ones help you increase your productivity. And remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day – take it one step at a time!
