Finish

1. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress

Perfectionism hates data. Why? Because emotions lie, data doesn't.

Perfectionism sabotages goals. It sets impossible standards and convinces us that anything less than perfect is a failure. This mindset leads to chronic starting and quitting, as we become discouraged when we inevitably fall short of perfection.

The day after perfect is crucial. This is when most people quit because they've missed their unrealistic target. Instead of giving up, recognize that imperfection is part of the process. Embrace it and keep moving forward.

Finishing matters more than perfection. The feeling of accomplishment from completing a goal, regardless of how perfectly it was executed, is far more valuable than the fleeting satisfaction of a "perfect" start that never reaches completion.

2. Cut your goal in half to increase chances of success

If you want to finish, you've got to do all that you can to get rid of your perfectionism right out of the gate.

Smaller goals lead to bigger wins. Research shows that people who cut their goals in half increased their performance by 63% and were more likely to continue working towards their objectives. This approach helps overcome the planning fallacy, where we tend to underestimate the time and effort required to complete tasks.

Redefine success. Instead of aiming for an all-or-nothing outcome, celebrate progress at the halfway point. This builds momentum and confidence, encouraging you to push further.

Apply the half-off rule strategically:

• For quantifiable goals: Reduce the target number (e.g., from losing 20 pounds to 10 pounds)
• For time-based goals: Double the timeline (e.g., from completing a project in 3 months to 6 months)
• For work goals: Set realistic expectations and milestones

3. Choose what to bomb: prioritize and let go

To be good at one thing you have to be bad at something else.

Embrace strategic incompetence. Recognize that you can't excel at everything simultaneously. Deliberately choose areas where you'll underperform to free up resources for your primary goals.

Identify your priorities:

• List all your current commitments and activities
• Categorize them as essential, important, or optional
• Select 1-3 areas to "bomb" or deprioritize

Create systems to manage deprioritized areas:

• Automate or delegate tasks when possible
• Set boundaries and learn to say "no"
• Simplify processes in non-priority areas

Remember, choosing what to bomb is not permanent. Reassess your priorities periodically and adjust as needed.

4. Make it fun if you want it done

Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.

Enjoyment fuels persistence. Research shows that people who find their goals enjoyable are 31% more satisfied and 46% more likely to succeed. Intrinsic motivation is a powerful driver of long-term commitment and achievement.

Identify your motivation type:

• Reward-driven: Focus on positive outcomes and incentives
• Fear-driven: Use deadlines and consequences as motivators

Inject fun into your goals:

• Gamify your progress with challenges and milestones
• Work with a partner or join a community for social support
• Reward yourself for small wins along the way
• Experiment with different methods until you find what resonates

Remember, what's fun for one person may not be for another. Tailor your approach to your personal preferences and strengths.

5. Identify and eliminate hiding places and noble obstacles

A hiding place is an activity you focus on instead of your goal. A noble obstacle is a virtuous-sounding reason for not working toward a finish.

Recognize avoidance tactics. Hiding places are distractions that make you feel productive while avoiding your main goal. Noble obstacles are seemingly valid reasons for not pursuing your objective. Both undermine progress.

Common hiding places:

• Excessive planning or research
• Perfectionism in less important tasks
• Overcomplicating simple processes

Noble obstacles examples:

• Waiting for the "perfect" time or conditions
• Believing success will change you negatively
• Prioritizing others' needs over your own goals

Overcome avoidance:

• Regularly assess your activities and their alignment with your goals
• Challenge your reasons for not taking action
• Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Set clear deadlines and accountability measures

6. Recognize and replace secret rules that hinder progress

Perfectionism quietly adds some secret rules to your life.

Uncover limiting beliefs. Secret rules are internalized beliefs that dictate how we should behave or what we're capable of achieving. These often stem from past experiences or societal expectations and can significantly hinder progress.

Identify your secret rules:

• Pay attention to self-talk and recurring thoughts
• Notice patterns in your behavior and decision-making
• Ask trusted friends or mentors for their observations

Challenge and replace limiting beliefs:

1. Identify the secret rule
2. Question its validity: "What evidence supports or contradicts this belief?"
3. Create a new, empowering belief to replace it
4. Take small actions to reinforce the new belief

Example:

• Old rule: "If it doesn't come easily, it's not worth doing."
• New rule: "Learning and growth often require effort and persistence."

7. Use data to celebrate imperfect progress

Data kills denial, which prevents disaster.

Measure to motivate. Tracking progress provides objective evidence of improvement, counteracting perfectionism's tendency to focus on shortcomings. It also helps identify areas for adjustment and optimization.

Choose effective metrics:

• Select 1-3 key indicators relevant to your goal
• Include both outcome and process measures
• Ensure metrics are easily trackable and meaningful

Analyze data productively:

• Compare current performance to your starting point, not just the end goal
• Look for trends and patterns over time
• Use data to inform decisions and adjust strategies

Celebrate incremental progress:

• Acknowledge small wins and milestones
• Share achievements with supportive friends or community
• Use progress as motivation to continue pushing forward

8. Overcome the fear of finishing

The day before done is terrifying.

Recognize finishing anxiety. As you approach completion, perfectionism often rears its head one last time, manifesting as fear of what comes next, fear of imperfection, or fear of anticlimax.

Common fears near the finish line:

1. Fear of what happens next (e.g., criticism, new responsibilities)
2. Fear that it won't be perfect
3. Fear that the feeling of accomplishment won't meet expectations

Strategies to push through:

• Remind yourself that done is better than perfect
• Plan your next goal or project to maintain momentum
• Prepare for potential outcomes and responses
• Focus on the process and personal growth, not just the end result
• Celebrate the act of finishing, regardless of the outcome

Remember, the ability to finish consistently is a valuable skill that improves with practice. Each completed goal builds confidence and resilience for future endeavors.

Last updated: July 30, 2024