Why we don't finish what we start

We've all been there. That burst of inspiration, the electric thrill of a new project, the feeling that we're going to conquer it all this time. We dive in headfirst, fueled by a potent cocktail of excitement and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of proving ourselves. But then… the fizzle. The half-finished masterpiece gathers dust in the corner as the momentum wanes and the initial spark dims.

Why does this happen? Often, it's a combination of two powerful forces: the emotional rollercoaster and the relentless pressure to prove our worth.

Work in progress...

The Emotional High: A Double-Edged Sword

We often ride a wave of positive emotions when we embark on something new. This surge of dopamine and adrenaline can make us feel invincible and capable of anything. We overestimate our capacity and underestimate the effort required. We see the summit, not the arduous climb. This initial burst of energy is fantastic for starting but unsustainable.

The "Prove It" Pressure: Taking on Too Much

Sometimes, we take on projects not out of genuine passion but out of a deep-seated need to validate ourselves. We overload our plates to demonstrate our competence and value. We say "yes" to everything, driven by a fear of missing out or being seen as inadequate. Burnout and an overwhelmed sense make it impossible to finish anything.

How to finish what we start:

So, how do we break this cycle? How do we learn to finish what we start and experience the satisfaction of completion?

Acknowledge the Emotional Wave:

• Recognize that the initial high is temporary. Enjoy it, but don't let it cloud your judgment. Wait for a neutral feeling.

  • Plan for the inevitable dip in motivation. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps.

Prioritise and Say "No":

• Learn to distinguish between genuine passion projects and those driven by external pressure.

  • Practice saying "no" to commitments that don't align with your priorities. Your worth is not determined by how much you take on.

  • Focus on quality over quantity.

Embrace Incremental Progress:

• Don't wait for perfect conditions or massive bursts of inspiration. Small, consistent steps are more effective than sporadic bursts of energy.

  • Celebrate small victories. Finishing a single task, no matter how small provides a sense of accomplishment and fuels further progress.

Practice Finishing Small Things:

• Start with achievable goals. Finish that book chapter, clean that drawer, or complete that short online course.

  • Completing something builds momentum and reinforces the habit of finishing.

Build in Accountability:

• Share your goals with a friend or accountability partner.

  • Join a group or community that supports your efforts.

  • Use tools like task management apps and visual progress trackers.

Reflect and Adjust:

• If you find yourself consistently abandoning projects, take time to reflect on why.

  • Are your goals realistic? Are you taking on too much? Are you prioritizing the right things?

  • Be willing to adjust your approach as needed.

Embrace the Imperfect Finish:

• "Done is better than perfect." Sometimes, it's more important to finish something imperfectly than never.

  • Perfectionism leads to paralysis.

The journey of finishing what we start is not about eliminating the emotional highs or the desire to prove ourselves. It's about understanding these forces and navigating them with intention and self-compassion. It's about cultivating the discipline and the patience to see things through, one step at a time. And ultimately, it's about experiencing the profound satisfaction of turning our ambitions into reality.