Finish What You Start

The measure of a goal or dream is not how simple or grand it is or how easily you can articulate its minute details. Rather, the true satisfaction, beauty and joy of your dream is found in the often slow but steady pace at which you work your way towards the finish line.

You’ve taken that all-important first step. You’ve tossed the ball. Now here’s some advice to ensure that you finish what you start.

Create Momentum

This is simple and easy. Take systematic small steps, at least one every day, every week or even just once per month. That’s not hard if you have a list of the actions you need to take to achieve your goals. All you need to do is keep taking consistent and effective small steps in a systematic way.

Try this. Glue a photo of yourself onto a picture that depicts the fulfilment of your goal. Tack it up where you will see it every day. Carry a copy of it in your bag or keep a copy in your desk at work. Each morning, each evening or all day you can look at the picture and be motivated to keep plugging away even when it’s difficult.

Today is the 13th you should have already taken at least one step, done one thing, even a small thing to move you along the path to your goal. Have you?

Resist Procrastination

Many motivational gurus tell us that 80% of people fail to achieve what they want in their lives mainly because of procrastination. They know what they need to do in order to achieve their goals, but they procrastinate and do not take action.

This is the greatest enemy against my writing goals. But I’ve discovered that when I plant myself in my chair, ignore my inner critic, dispel distractions and do what I need to do, the temptation to set the writing aside, grows weak.

This could be a lifelong battle but you can develop strategies to fight this nemesis. You may never defeat it utterly but you can have success in the moments when you need it most.

Just ploughing through the urge to stop, reading inspirational quotes, praying and talking with your most ardent supporter are some of the ways you can combat procrastination.

Monitor your Progress

Life changes every day and staying focused on what you need to do to get where you want to go may necessitate a willingness to shift gears slightly or drastically to accommodate life’s unexpected twists. But to achieve success in your endeavours, you will need to devise strategies to cope with the unexpected without missing a beat. Or, even take a break to manage disquieting circumstances and then pickling up where you left off. That shouldn’t frighten you. It may detain you – have patience. It may derail you -get back on track or build a new roadway if necessary.