Are You a Starter or a Finisher?

I’ve had a hard time lately finishing things. Creative challenges are exciting, but can also get overwhelming which causes me to sometimes never truly finish projects. While writing this post I found some advice on how to follow through on projects from one of my favorite ladies to follow, Author and Life Coach Marie Forleo.

My problem is I decided to start too many projects all at the same time which is a recurring problem for me. I changed my home color scheme from warm dark colors to the pretty blue and greenish grays that are more popular right now.  My painter is very busy so while I had him captured in my home I had him paint five rooms (I don’t enjoy painting).  This has snowballed into rearranging furniture and purchasing new items that compliment my new color scheme.  My basement is currently in disarray as well due to this situation.

In the meantime, I’ve had a difficult time focusing on my blog and being productive. When this happens I often search for helpful tips. I subscribe to Marie Forleo who shares a tip every Tuesday in her uplifting and often funny videos. If you also have trouble finishing projects. Here are three tips from Marie:

1. Stop expecting your eyes to sparkle.– Creating can be hard.  Don’t expect everything to be easy.  Finding little ways to enjoy the process can be helpful.
2. Start with your little balls. – Follow through on easy tasks and complete them.  This will help give you momentum to complete the big ones.
3. Don’t make it optional.– Keep your promises to yourself.

Some other helpful tips from Marie Forleo are to give yourself permission to dabble.  I’m an expert when it comes to dabbling. According to Marie, dabbling in different things is a form of engagement and clarity comes from engagement.  I’ve shared 31 ways to live curiously in my free Get Out of Your Box eBook. If you subscribe to my blog you should have received an email with the link or you can download it here. After you’ve had dabbling time it’s then time to focus.  This is the area I struggle with.  Three ways to build focus habits are:

1. Meditate daily.
2. Define what completion of a project looks like.
3. Put blinders on and train yourself to stay on track. Ask yourself, “Is what I’m doing right now supporting my bigger vision?”

Are you a starter or a finisher? If you’re a finisher I’d love to hear some suggestions on how you’re able to stay on task.  If you’re mostly a starter like me please let me know I’m not alone. It’s not that I never finish projects I’ve just got too many balls up in the air and I’m not the best juggler. However, I am finished with this post and that makes me smile!