10 hurdles we face on the path to finishing

Please enjoy this guest post from Phyllis Jenkins, a member of the Platform Launchers Members' Club.

Can you believe it’s the last quarter of 2023?

What were you excited about starting last January that has fallen by the wayside?

Our world is filled with endless opportunities and possibilities. But in spite of this, there are many individuals still struggling to complete tasks, projects, or goals they set out to achieve. Whether it's a half-written manuscript for your book, an abandoned fitness regimen, or an unfinished home improvement project, the list of incomplete endeavors is extensive.

Several years ago, I wrote a book titled, ‘Just Finish It!’ And I am still on a mission to help others kick the habit of leaving things undone. Allow me to share some of the underlying reasons behind this pervasive issue and shed light on how to overcome it. In this article, we'll look at the top ten reasons why people don't finish things.

• Lack of Clear Goals
One of the primary reasons people fail to finish tasks is the absence of well-defined goals. Without a clear target in mind, it's easy to lose focus and motivation, leading to unfinished projects.

• Procrastination
For years, I struggled with procrastination. I was the queen of procrastination. However, God delivered me from it after I heard the following definition by Bishop Rosie O’Neal: “The behavioral by-product of
a lack of understanding about a delay of an opportunity which is grace. It is the arrogant assumption that God owes you another chance to do tomorrow what He gave you a chance to do today.” WOW! What a powerful definition! But the truth is that procrastination is a widespread issue that can baffle even the most well-intentioned individuals. Delaying tasks due to discomfort, anxiety, or a preference for short-term pleasures often leads to unfinished business.

• Perfectionism
Striving for perfection can be counterproductive. People often get stuck in an endless cycle of revising and tweaking their work, making it difficult to declare any project as “finished." If this is you....stop it now.

• Lack of Motivation
A lack of motivation or enthusiasm can significantly hinder progress. When people don't feel passionate or excited about a task, they are less likely to see it through to completion.

• Overcommitment
Taking on too many responsibilities or projects at once can overwhelm individuals, causing them to abandon some tasks in favor of others they perceive as more important.

• Fear of Failure
The fear of failure can paralyze individuals, preventing them from completing tasks because they're afraid they won't meet their own or others' expectations.

• Distractions
In today's digital age, distractions are everywhere. We are often on distraction overload. Constant notifications, social media, and other diversions can easily divert attention from tasks, making it difficult to finish them.

• Burnout
Overexertion and burnout can lead to incomplete projects. Pushing oneself too hard without proper rest and self-care can result in a lack of energy and motivation to finish tasks.

• Unrealistic Expectations
Setting unrealistic expectations can set individuals up for disappointment. When they realize they can't meet their overly ambitious goals, they may lose interest and stop working towards them.

• Lack of Accountability
Without a sense of accountability, it's easy to abandon a project when the going gets tough. People who don't have someone or something to answer are more likely to give up when faced with challenges.

Overcoming the Hurdles
While the above reasons may seem unsettling, it's important to remember that they are not insurmountable obstacles. With the right strategies and mindset, anyone can overcome these challenges and increase their chances of finishing what they started.

• Set Clear and Achievable Goals:
Define your objectives and break them down into manageable steps. This will provide a roadmap to follow and a sense of accomplishment as you check off each task.

• Tackle Procrastination:
Identify the root causes of your procrastination and develop strategies to combat it, such as using time management techniques and creating deadlines.

• Embrace Imperfection:
Understand that perfection is elusive and that mistakes are part of the learning process. Accept imperfections and focus on progress rather than perfection.

• Find Motivation:
Reflect on the reason why you started the goal or project. Remind yourself of your goals and the benefits of finishing what you've started.

• Manage Commitments:
Prioritize your responsibilities and learn to say no when necessary. By focusing on fewer tasks, you can give each one the attention it deserves.

• Conquer Fear:
Acknowledge your fears and work on building self-confidence. Remember that failure is a stepping stone to success and not a dead end.

• Minimize Distractions:
Create a distraction-free workspace and establish boundaries with technology to stay focused on your tasks.

• Avoid Burnout:
Prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and take breaks when needed to prevent burnout.

• Set Realistic Expectations:
Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve within a given timeframe, and adjust your goals accordingly.

• Create Accountability:
Share your goals with someone who can hold you accountable, such as a friend, mentor, or coach. Or, I would like to join a Just Finish It!

30-Day Challenge that kicks off on Oct. 16th. I’ve created a game-changing plan designed to help you reach your goals before the new year arrives. And the best part? It’s absolutely FREE! All you need to do is commit to one thing: Finishing What You Started’ in 2023. If you’re interested, email at [email protected]. You’ll receive a workbook and an invitation to join our Zoom accountability sessions.

Conclusion
The journey from starting something to finishing it is often filled with challenges. Understanding the reasons why people don't finish things is the first step toward overcoming these obstacles. With determination, proper planning, and a resilient mindset, anyone can increase their odds of completing the tasks, projects, and goals they set for themselves. Remember, the satisfaction of finishing what you start is worth the effort it takes to get there.

© Phyllis Jenkins, 2023