The difference between a Starter and a Finisher is their willingness to see themselves as an obstacle.
There are so many hurdles that come up when you're trying to accomplish anything of substance. Many of them are external (i.e. price changes, labor shortages, technical challenges) but the ones that really matter are internal.
If you aren't stuck, overwhelmed, or beating yourself up, it's easy to ask yourself what the next right move is. It's easy to move the project along.
All it takes is awareness. Listen for the sound of excuses or blame leaving your mouth. Watch for delays and procrastination. Instead of halting progress, get curious about it. It is powerful data and will tell you exactly where your next step is.
"Why am I procrastinating right now?"
"Am I forcing a round peg into a square hole right now?
"How can I move this forward to meet the intent of my goal and the deadline I set?"
If you're able to start a project and continue it at a steady pace, you have learned the art of spotting procrastination and any feeling of “stuckness.” You recognize when it is time to tweak the plan, ask for help, or create accountability.
My guess is that your project doesn’t really need a miracle or a new strategy. You simply need a solid plan and an eye for spotting when you have become the obstacle.
How you approach your goal impacts your probability of completing it.
Here's what one study found:
Having an idea or goal: 10% likely to complete the goal*
Consciously deciding that you will do it: 25%*
Deciding when you will do it: 40%*
Planning how to do it: 50%*
Committing to someone that you will do it: 65%*
Having a specific accountability appointment with someone you’ve committed to: 95%*
*All things we’ll do during The Finish Lab.
Let that sink in for a moment … you are the most important variable. The success of your project depends on your approach and commitment.
So, if you've been dragging your feet on starting or finishing an important project, ask yourself ...
Am I the obstacle?