Why We Don’t Finish What We Started

Introduction

Have you ever started something with great enthusiasm, only to abandon it halfway through? This frustratingly common phenomenon affects all of us at some point in our lives. Why do we start things and then leave them unfinished? The answer is more complex than simple laziness or lack of discipline. It involves a tangled web of psychological, emotional, and even physiological factors.

Personal Experience

There are 2 main areas that I have struggled with my entire life. One is money and the other one is my weight. We have talked a lot about my financial struggles so let me share some about my health and weight struggles. I am only 39 years old and I already had back surgery, and shine surgery. I suffer from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and I am pre-diabetic. And I am pretty sure I have a lot more going on with my health and that is why I am afraid to go to the Doctor’s office.

My current weight is 265 pounds. I have been as heavy as 300 pounds and I have been as low as 200 pounds. That is of course as an adult. But even since I was a kid and a teenager, I always struggled with my weight. I have tried all kinds of diest. Keto, Paleo, Juicing, and Fasting, among many others. And in my experience, they all worked. I did lose weight with all of them. The problem was that sooner or later I would give up, and I would gain all the lost weight and some right back.

So why is that? Why I couldn’t stay with the new routine? After many trials and errors, I found out that I have a completely unhealthy relationship with food. The main reason for us to eat is so we can o obtain the energy that our body needs. Food has never intended to be for us to feel pleasure. That is why many of us overeat all the time. We are trying to find pleasure in food instead of energy. Now, I just started the carnivore diet. And let me tell you it is a challenge to say at least.

Eating the same thing over and over literally gives me headaches. I hope that I can get used to it and stick to this diet this time. Another reason why we give up and we don’t finish the things that we started is that we don’t have a big enough reason why we are doing it in the first place. We need to find our why. Without a strong reason for doing what we are doing, we will give up. Because the why is our only motivator. Especially because things like losing weight take a long time and we cannot see results immediately.

So this time I belive that I have my strong why I want to lose weight and stick to a diet and work out a little bit. Find your why and use the steps below to identify some of the other problems that cause you to give up. And take action with one of the recommendations on how to overcome them. Set goals and make a plan for how to achieve those goals. Bryan Tracy says that goals without plans are just dreams. Stop dreaming and start doing.

The Problem: Why We Don’t Finish What We Start

1. Fear of Failure

One of the primary reasons we don’t finish what we start is the fear of failure. When we embark on a new project, we’re often excited and optimistic. However, as we progress, the reality of the challenges ahead sets in. We begin to doubt our abilities and fear that our efforts will not yield the desired results.

2. Lack of Immediate Gratification

Humans are hardwired to seek immediate rewards. Long-term projects, by their nature, require sustained effort without instant gratification. This can lead to a loss of motivation, as the brain is constantly searching for quicker, easier sources of satisfaction.

3. Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. While striving for excellence is commendable, an obsession with perfection can be paralyzing. The fear that our work is not good enough can lead to procrastination and ultimately abandoning the task altogether.

4. Distractions and Overwhelm

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. Social media, constant notifications, and an ever-growing to-do list can make it challenging to stay focused. Additionally, taking on too many projects at once can lead to overwhelm, making it difficult to see any of them through to completion.

5. Lack of Clear Goals and Planning

Without clear goals and a well-structured plan, it’s easy to lose direction. Ambiguity in what needs to be done and when can result in a lack of progress and eventual abandonment of the project.

The Solution: How to Overcome These Challenges

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Break down your project into smaller, manageable tasks. Setting clear, achievable goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Each small success will build momentum and drive you towards completing the larger project.

2. Embrace Imperfection

Accept that perfection is an unrealistic standard. Strive for progress, not perfection. Understand that making mistakes and learning from them is part of the process. This mindset shift can help reduce the fear of failure and keep you moving forward.

3. Create a Reward System

Incorporate a reward system to provide immediate gratification. Reward yourself for completing milestones along the way. This can be as simple as taking a break, enjoying a treat, or doing something you love.

4. Limit Distractions

Identify and eliminate distractions as much as possible. Create a dedicated workspace, turn off unnecessary notifications, and set specific times for focused work. This will help you maintain concentration and make steady progress.

5. Develop a Solid Plan

Create a detailed plan outlining the steps needed to complete your project. Set deadlines for each task and hold yourself accountable. Having a clear roadmap will guide you through the process and keep you on track.

Data and Facts

Research supports the idea that fear of failure, lack of immediate gratification, and perfectionism are significant barriers to completing tasks. A study by the University of Scranton found that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions, with many citing similar reasons for their failure. Furthermore, a survey conducted by LinkedIn revealed that 70% of professionals admitted to not completing projects due to distractions and lack of focus.

Books like “Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done” by Jon Acuff and “Atomic Habits” by James Clear provide valuable insights and strategies for overcoming these barriers. Websites such as Psychology Today and MindTools offer additional resources and tips for staying motivated and managing time effectively.

Conclusion

Finishing what we start is a challenge many of us face, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding the underlying reasons for our lack of follow-through and implementing practical solutions, we can break the cycle of unfinished projects. Set clear goals, embrace imperfection, reward yourself, limit distractions, and develop a solid plan. Remember, progress is more important than perfection, and each step forward is a step closer to completing what you started.