Finish What You Start

The world pays for things that are completed. Our entire global economy is based upon this premise. Anything that is incomplete has less (or no) value when compared to something that is finished. A prime example is the savings found when buying "unfinished" furniture. People opt to do the varnishing and painting themselves to save substantial money. A finished product commands more money because the work is done by someone else.

In business, people are promoted based upon their ability to get things done. It is the finishers who move up in the organization. It is the only basis which we are judged. Projects that are not completed are held against us. Almost everyone worked with someone who was a terrific starter. These are the people who are always beginning projects. Unfortunately, they rarely complete anything.

Where do you fit into this model? Are you one who starts but fails to finish? Consider for a moment all the projects that you started yet are still awaiting completion. This gives an indication of how bad an issue this is for you. Procrastination is an enemy that many cannot overcome. Improving your completion rate is something which you need to make a goal of yours. Remember, it is the sole criteria by which you are judged.

Here are a few things that you can do:

1. Look around to determine how many things you left after starting.

Are there unfinished projects awaiting your attention? Perhaps there are things that you meant to throw out yet never got around to doing. For me, I know there are at least a dozen writing projects sitting patiently until I decide to get back to them. Make a list of these projects and write "In the works" next to each item.

2. Think of all that you wanted to do

Consider all the wonderful ideas that you wanted to start but never got around to it. Perhaps you wanted to get involved with a particular hobby. Was there something that is on your goal list that you keep putting off? Write these items down and put "Pending" next to them.

3. Choose one of each and get moving on it.

Within the next 48 hours, do something on each activity. It is a good idea to write some steps that you need to take to bring them to completion. A plan often makes the taking of action easier. Breaking larger projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks is what allows us to forge ahead. It is a simple way to eliminate overwhelm.

Follow these three steps to finish what you started. This takes a bit of persistence but can become a habit in a short period of time. It will help you gain the reputation as a finisher.
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