The Critical Importance of Finishing
Do you ever feel like giving up? Like shutting the door on whatever you are working on, big or small, and moving on to something else? If so, then keep reading…
In 2003, I made a bad decision that probably delayed the success of my speaking business by at least three, if not more, years.
2003 was the year I “officially” started my speaking business, and I decided that I really needed to write a book. I was a new speaker without any name recognition or clients, so a book would be a great way to build my credibility while getting my name out there.
I started the book, and then, a few months later, I made a bad decision:
I didn’t finish.
At the point I gave up, I had made some progress:
- I had a title
- I had a fairly detailed outline
- I had completed two chapters, of about 13
And yet, I stopped.
I am sure you are wondering, “Avish, why did you stop?”
Good question. I have asked myself that a lot ever since.
I think there were a few reasons:
- The initial momentum and excitement of starting on the project had worn off
- I started to feel overwhelmed
- I took some bad advice that made me think the approach I was taking was stupid
- I gave in to the little voice within that was whispering doubts in my ear.
Regardless of the reason, the end result was that I gave up. I stopped. I didn’t finish.
Having a book back then would have been immensely helpful. I finally finished a book on my topic in 2006, and it did help my business, in terms of credibility, marketing, and revenue.
When I reflect on that story, it makes me sad. Not because my business took longer to get going than it needed to (though that sucks too).
No, I feel sad because I’m embarrassed to admit that I quit on a project halfway through, frankly for no good reason.
I’m sure I’m not alone in this. Do you have a project, a goal, a mission, that you started on and then, for whatever reason, let fall by the wayside?
And have you, since you put that project aside, started other new, more exciting, potentially better projects instead of finishing off the original one?
Don’t feel alone if you did. It’s a common problem.
Starting is easy.
Ok, it’s not always easy, but it’s usually easier than finishing.
Starting is easier because when you start you are pumped and motivated. Chances are when you start that you won’t hit any DINGsLink at first. You’ll enjoy a period of smooth sailing. When you start you can also focus on the aspects of the project that are fun for you and put off the rest until later.
Finishing is much harder. Finishing involves working on something long after the thrill and excitement of starting is over. Finishing means slogging through yet another day of work. Finishing requires you to deal with setbacks, failures, and criticism. Finishing forces you to tackle every aspect of your project, even the ones you hate.
Yes, starting is a lot more fun than finishing.
However, finishing is a lot more important than starting.
- Finishing is what separates those who succeed from those who only dream.
- Finishing is where both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards lie.
- Finishing is what allows you to learn and grow and improve
- Finishing is how goals get achieved and change happens
- Finishing is what produces results and value, for yourself and others.
- Finishing is how you de-clutter your mind and make room for creativity and innovation
- Finishing is why you start in the first place
If you want to be successful, make “finishing” a habit. In fact, go one step further: make it an obsession.
Does this mean you never quit and abandon a project? No. But it does mean that the decision to quit comes from a place of logic as opposed to a place of emotion or distraction.
Make it your default position to finish. Finish projects, big and small. Be known as the person who gets things done.
If you are even remotely dissatisfied with the amount or speed of the progress you are making in your life or business, take a look at your habits. Are you a starter or a finisher?
Be a finisher. It’s how greatness happens.
Note: Want to learn how to be great at finishing? Check back here (or subscribe to the blog) because in a few days I’m putting up a post on that exact topic!
P.S. Hey, if you like this post, why don’t you share the love and click the Facebook “Like” button at the top of this page…?
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About
By Avish Parashar. As the world's only Motivational Improviser, Avish uses techniques from the world of improv comedy to engage, entertain, and educate audiences on ideas around change, creativity, and motivation. Connect with Avish on Google+