As I reflected on the last few days, there were positives and negatives. I asked myself what made the difference. Why did some days seem better than others? The answer was COMPLETION.
Right now, I find myself in the middle of a lot of different tasks and projects. I’m sure this is a situation many people find themselves in. It’s easy to get pulled in several different directions and work hard in all areas of your life. Working hard doesn’t seem so bad, does it? I think the part that becomes disappointing for us is when we continue working, but don’t get to completion on any one thing. We gradually lose motivation, and sometimes even quit a task – never getting the reward of completion.
How many of you can honestly say you’ve lost interest in something you’re working on? Probably most people! If the answer is yes, I’d suggest a few things. Decide if the task, is a necessary one or if it was just for fun when you started it. If it started out as fun, ask yourself what was it that made it most enjoyable to you? Maybe you’ve lost sight of the why. Also ask yourself what the barriers are preventing you from enjoying the project. If you can identify the barriers, you can work on solutions to those barriers. If the unfinished task is a necessary task and you’re avoiding it, I’d guess it isn’t bringing you much joy. An example of that kind of task might be to organize your files at home….BOO! It’s necessary and the process might not be too fun for you. This is where you could also step back and identify the barriers and come up with solutions. Use your resources – human and non-human – to get to completion. With every completed task you are building emotional stamina.
By taking time to reflect on your past completions, big and small, you’ll ignite some motivation within you. This can be a catalyst to getting some things done! I think we all would have more good days and less bad days, if we figured out a way to be more aware of the tasks we complete each day. Make lists! Writing down a daily list of tasks you’d like to complete is a powerful tool. It’s even more helpful to go over the list at the end of the day and pencil in the things you completed that weren’t on the list. Finding an accountability partner is very helpful too. Someone you can share the successes and the struggles with. Strengthening the feelings of your accomplishments on a daily basis will have benefits in all areas of your life. You’ll be happier and more confident just to name a few.
A few questions…
- When was the last time you finished a project that you were proud of? What was it that made you proud?
- Has completion always been a challenge for you? If not, when can you pinpoint that it started to become a challenge?
- Is there a person you would like to model after? Who do you know that seems to start and finish projects and tasks in a timely manner? You could observe them from a distance and adjust your behaviors. You could also “interview” them and get some insight from them.
Growing word by word,
Jackie
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