Finish what you have started: 12 helpful hacks

Do you tend to finish what you have started?  You could put aside certain tasks and projects, never completing them.  Don’t lose out on opportunities. 

Famous quote

I found some (always finish what you start) quotes on BrainyQuote.  I’ll share one below that illustrates how crucial persistence is.  It shows why you shouldn’t give up.

‘Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.’ – Thomas A. Edison

Being a solopreneur for around a decade required self-discipline.  If I ever became too laid back, I would have risked wasting precious time.  In the end, I also would have missed my set goals.

When you have the flexibility to set your agenda as you please, it’s a great advantage.  However, if you’re not careful enough, it may become counter-productive.  If you tend to start small tasks or even longer-term projects and put them aside, you may need to take a step back and think.

1. Choose meaningful goals 

Some key points support successful completion. First of all, the quality of the goals you set is pivotal. Ensuring meaningful goals is a first step, as everything else rests on it. Read about setting better goals for yourself on my blog.

Following your life’s purpose is natural.  It may relate to longer-term and strategic projects in life.  One example could be your career choice.  There are, of course, reasons to move to newer fields if needed, and self-improvement is lifelong.

2. Be selective

Carefully consider before committing to new projects.  It determines the tasks you’re likely to work on.  Analyze them before you accept them.

I often go back to my set goals to assess if something is important.  Your strategic objectives are a handy tool.  Use them to guide you in decision-making.  If needed, you may have to update set goals to make them relevant, so review them frequently.

3. Set small milestones

What you start you always finish, or do you?  Looking at a massive chunk of work can turn anyone away.  Break them into baby steps.

Your long-term and medium-term plans all require daily work.  Your daily to-do list and calendar consist of simpler tasks.  However, they ensure gradual progress toward the realization of bigger projects.

4. Have an action plan

Your action plan breaks down how you decide to proceed.  These are specific actions that you’ll take consistently.  Use it to review your performance, pinpoint any delays, and take timely corrective measures.

Estimate the financial resources, time, and energy that you’ll need.  Budget and arrange for them.  For example, consider if you need a VA, or can do it all by yourself.

5. Prefer time-blocking

Finishing what you have started is often easier said than done.  With much willpower, life can still get in the way.  Developing good organizational skills helps.

Time blocking is a handy approach. Set twenty-five minutes to work on a task. Then take a five-minute break. Get back and tackle your next task on the list. Find out more about the Pomodoro technique in my other article.

Whenever possible, use apps and software that help you save time.  Get things done automatically.  It allows you to dedicate your attention to your true priorities.

6. Eliminate time-wasters

Cut off unnecessary distractions.  Checking emails too often is a common example.  Decide if you can eliminate certain tasks that have become redundant.

Avoid multitasking as much as you can. It’s known to become stressful after a while. It may even end up being counter-productive. Read to see how you can cope with it if you cannot avoid it.

7. Enjoy flow state

A flow happens when you’re completely immersed in a task. It’s like a serene melody. You dance effortlessly from one step to the other.

Fully absorbed, you can get more done in less time. It’s enjoyable and increases productivity levels. Read to find triggers that prompt you to get into such a state on my blog.

8. Don’t wait for perfectionism

If you started a project, but feel that you either lack the skills or experience, you could hesitate.  Perfection might never come.  On the other hand, getting started today, and improving gradually is progress.

When I started blogging, it was only a hobby.  I learned much experience, through online courses, watching videos, and other digital resources.  After around a year, my blog became a side hustle as well.

9. Reject procrastination

Finish what you start, stop procrastinating.  As long as your project is meaningful, work on it.  Remind yourself of the ‘why’ behind it.  It will give you a new boost to keep going.

Procrastination is like not admitting that you’re getting left behind.  You waste precious time.  In the end, you have to face the unwanted. 

10. Accountability system

Watch your progress and hold yourself accountable.  Review, and ensure that you’re on track.  It’s a crucial part of staying consistent for meeting desired results.

I love to journal and slay my goals.  In addition to my blog planning, I journal my professional and personal life.  It helps me to be on time and take corrective action.

You may also find an accountability buddy.  Pair up with someone you know, who has similar activities.  Review your results together, and encourage and cheer each other.      

11. Rejoice every accomplishment

Finish what you started, motivation is at its best!  Every small victory is worthwhile.  These tiny results join to form a much bigger accomplishment.  Find some ideas on how to celebrate in another article.

For example, to write an article, you need to follow some steps.  You research the topic, conduct keyword analysis, create an outline, draft, check, edit, and so on.  For a new blogger, publishing their first article can feel like breaking the ice in front of a new audience.  Each step towards it can be seen as a milestone completed.

12. Benefit from failures

You finish whatever you start, and sometimes not.  Naturally, certain projects have to be abandoned.  There could be valid reasons for not completing them.

Failure is not the end of the world.  It can be a catalyst for the better.  When you gain new experiences and life lessons, you can benefit later on.

Conclusion

In my article, I highlighted some tips, hacks, and ideas that you can use.  Successful projects bring so much to life, both personally and professionally.  When you’re convinced that you’re doing meaningful work, you can better finish what you have started.