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How to Finish Everything You Start

How to Finish Everything You Start

by Jan Yager 2019 258 pages
3.54
500+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Recognize the epidemic of unfinished tasks and its consequences

There's an epidemic of a "failure to finish" syndrome sabotaging not only our lives but the world we live in.

Unfinished tasks are pervasive. This epidemic affects both personal and professional lives, leading to missed opportunities, decreased productivity, and increased stress. Common examples include:

  • Incomplete home improvement projects
  • Unfinished degrees or certifications
  • Abandoned creative endeavors (writing, art, music)
  • Delayed career advancements
  • Unfulfilled personal goals (weight loss, learning new skills)

Consequences are significant. Failing to finish tasks can result in:

  • Lower self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Missed career opportunities and financial setbacks
  • Strained relationships due to unfulfilled commitments
  • Increased stress and anxiety from mounting incomplete tasks
  • Wasted time and resources on partially completed projects

2. Identify and overcome the 22 beliefs, behaviors, and habits that prevent finishing

Recognize, and deal with, why you are not getting to the priority project Now! and you will be further on the road to selectively completing everything you start.

Self-awareness is crucial. Understanding the underlying reasons for not finishing tasks is the first step towards overcoming them. Common obstacles include:

  • Fear of failure or success
  • Perfectionism
  • Procrastination
  • Poor planning or pacing
  • Disorganization
  • Emotional turmoil or anger

Strategies for overcoming obstacles:

  • Recognize and challenge negative self-talk
  • Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps
  • Set realistic expectations and deadlines
  • Develop better organizational systems
  • Address underlying emotional issues
  • Practice self-compassion and celebrate small victories

3. Manage having too much to do at once by prioritizing effectively

You have to decide what's most important and prioritize.

Overwhelm leads to inaction. Having too many tasks competing for attention can paralyze decision-making and prevent progress on any front. To combat this:

  • Use prioritization techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important)
  • Apply the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to focus on high-impact tasks
  • Regularly reassess and adjust priorities as circumstances change

Create a systematic approach:

  1. List all tasks and commitments
  2. Categorize by importance and urgency
  3. Identify top 3-5 priorities
  4. Schedule time for priority tasks
  5. Delegate or eliminate low-priority items

4. Overcome procrastination by understanding its root causes

Procrastination is also information.

Procrastination is complex. Rather than simply laziness, procrastination often stems from deeper issues:

  • Fear of failure or success
  • Perfectionism
  • Lack of clarity or motivation
  • Poor time management skills
  • Overwhelm or anxiety

Strategies to combat procrastination:

  • Practice self-compassion and avoid harsh self-criticism
  • Use the "5-minute rule" to overcome inertia
  • Break tasks into smaller, less intimidating steps
  • Create accountability through deadlines or partners
  • Address underlying emotional issues
  • Reward progress and celebrate small wins

5. Reframe deadlines as positive motivators rather than stressors

Deadlines are useful rather than something to be dreaded.

Deadlines provide structure. When viewed positively, deadlines can:

  • Create a sense of urgency and motivation
  • Help prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively
  • Provide clear milestones for measuring progress
  • Facilitate better communication and coordination in team settings

Strategies for effective deadline management:

  • Set realistic and achievable deadlines
  • Break large projects into smaller milestones with interim deadlines
  • Use time-blocking techniques to allocate focused work time
  • Build in buffer time for unexpected challenges
  • Regularly assess progress and adjust deadlines if necessary
  • Celebrate meeting deadlines to reinforce positive associations

6. Apply the F-I-N-I-S-H method to complete tasks systematically

F-I-N-I-S-H

The F-I-N-I-S-H method provides a framework for systematically completing tasks:

F - Focus on one priority task
I - Ignore interruptions or distractions
N - Now is the time, not later or tomorrow
I - Initiate and innovate so you keep going
S - Stay the course however tough it gets
H - Hail finishing by celebrating your accomplishment

Implementing the F-I-N-I-S-H method:

  1. Choose your most important task to focus on
  2. Create a distraction-free environment (silence notifications, find a quiet space)
  3. Start immediately, avoiding excuses for delay
  4. Use creative problem-solving to overcome obstacles
  5. Persist through challenges, reminding yourself of the importance of finishing
  6. Reward yourself upon completion to reinforce the habit of finishing

7. Set SMART goals and prioritize tasks to increase productivity

Applying SMART to the #1 task or project that you want to finish — your goal — either acronym are powerful tools for helping you to achieve each of your goals.

SMART goals provide clarity and focus. The SMART criteria ensure goals are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Implementing SMART goals:

  1. Define your goal in clear, specific terms
  2. Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress
  3. Ensure the goal is attainable given your resources and constraints
  4. Align the goal with your broader objectives and values
  5. Set a clear deadline or timeframe for achievement

Prioritize tasks using techniques such as:

  • Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important)
  • ABC method (high, medium, low priority)
  • Time-blocking for focused work sessions

8. Create and utilize effective to-do lists to stay organized

A well-constructed to-do list will also help you monitor your progress.

Effective to-do lists are crucial for organization. They help:

  • Capture all tasks in one place
  • Prioritize and sequence work
  • Provide a sense of accomplishment as items are checked off
  • Reduce mental clutter and anxiety

Tips for creating effective to-do lists:

  • Keep lists concise and focused on actionable items
  • Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps
  • Include deadlines or time estimates for each task
  • Prioritize items using a system (e.g., numbering, color-coding)
  • Review and update lists regularly
  • Use digital tools for easy access and syncing across devices

9. Learn to say "no" graciously to maintain focus on priorities

You want to say "no" in a way that is polite and that acknowledges and respects the needs and priorities of the person who is asking you to devote your time and focus to a request.

Saying "no" is a crucial skill. It helps:

  • Maintain focus on priorities
  • Avoid overcommitment and burnout
  • Establish healthy boundaries

Strategies for saying "no" graciously:

  • Express appreciation for the opportunity
  • Provide a brief, honest explanation for declining
  • Offer alternative solutions or resources if possible
  • Be firm but polite in your refusal
  • Avoid over-explaining or making excuses
  • Practice saying "no" to build confidence

10. Delegate tasks strategically to maximize efficiency

Delegating that task or project to someone else in the first place, and getting it off your plate, could be the way to free up time to finish the priority ventures that only you can do.

Effective delegation is crucial for productivity. It allows you to:

  • Focus on high-value tasks that require your unique skills
  • Develop team members' skills and confidence
  • Increase overall team productivity

Steps for effective delegation:

  1. Identify tasks suitable for delegation
  2. Choose the right person for each task
  3. Provide clear instructions and expectations
  4. Establish checkpoints and deadlines
  5. Offer support and resources as needed
  6. Give credit and praise for successful completion
  7. Provide constructive feedback for improvement

11. Apply specific strategies to finish writing a book or other major projects

Finishing a book takes commitment, courage, and dedication.

Large projects require specific strategies. For writing a book or similar endeavors:

  • Break the project into smaller, manageable milestones
  • Set realistic deadlines for each stage
  • Create a consistent writing routine or work schedule
  • Find an accountability partner or join a support group
  • Address perfectionism and fear of completion
  • Celebrate progress along the way

Overcoming common obstacles:

  • Writer's block: Use freewriting or change of environment
  • Lack of motivation: Reconnect with your purpose for writing
  • Distractions: Create a dedicated workspace and set boundaries
  • Self-doubt: Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors
  • Time constraints: Prioritize writing and eliminate non-essential activities

12. Know when it's appropriate to not finish a task

Sometimes you must make the very difficult decision that you have to avoid a delay because it just might sink your project when you're close to finishing.

Not all tasks should be finished. Reasons to abandon a project include:

  • Changed priorities or circumstances
  • Limited resources or time
  • Diminishing returns on investment
  • Better opportunities arise

Decision-making process for abandoning tasks:

  1. Assess the current value and relevance of the task
  2. Consider the opportunity cost of continuing
  3. Evaluate potential consequences of not finishing
  4. Determine if resources could be better allocated elsewhere
  5. Communicate decision to stakeholders if necessary
  6. Learn from the experience for future project planning

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "How to Finish Everything You Start" about?

  • Focus on Completion: The book by Jan Yager addresses the widespread issue of unfinished tasks and projects, offering insights into why people struggle to complete what they start.
  • Causes and Solutions: It explores the psychological and practical reasons behind this phenomenon and provides actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles.
  • Structured Approach: The book is divided into parts that discuss causes, cures, and further thoughts on the topic, providing a comprehensive guide to improving productivity.
  • Empowerment Goal: Ultimately, the book aims to empower readers to finish more tasks and projects, leading to greater success and happiness.

Why should I read "How to Finish Everything You Start"?

  • Identify Personal Barriers: It helps readers identify personal beliefs, behaviors, or habits that prevent them from finishing tasks.
  • Practical Strategies: The book offers practical tips and real-life examples to help readers overcome procrastination and other obstacles.
  • Improve Productivity: By following the advice, readers can enhance their performance and become more productive in both personal and professional settings.
  • Boost Self-Esteem: Completing tasks can lead to increased self-esteem and reduced feelings of self-doubt and stress.

What are the key takeaways of "How to Finish Everything You Start"?

  • Understand the Causes: Recognize the 22 beliefs, behaviors, or bad habits that may stop you from finishing tasks.
  • Use the F-I-N-I-S-H Method: Focus, Ignore distractions, Now is the time, Initiate, Stay the course, and Hail your accomplishments.
  • Set Realistic Goals: Learn to set and prioritize goals effectively using the SMART criteria.
  • Embrace Deadlines: View deadlines as positive tools to help you stay on track and complete tasks.

What is the F-I-N-I-S-H method in "How to Finish Everything You Start"?

  • Focus on One Task: Concentrate on one priority task at a time to avoid distractions.
  • Ignore Interruptions: Minimize interruptions and distractions to maintain focus on the task at hand.
  • Now is the Time: Avoid procrastination by committing to work on tasks immediately rather than delaying.
  • Initiate and Innovate: Start tasks promptly and find innovative ways to keep progressing.
  • Stay the Course: Persist through challenges and maintain momentum until the task is completed.
  • Hail Your Accomplishments: Celebrate and acknowledge your achievements to reinforce positive behavior.

How does Jan Yager suggest dealing with procrastination?

  • Procrastination as Information: View procrastination as a signal that something needs to be addressed, whether it's fear, lack of interest, or poor planning.
  • Reward System: Use rewards to motivate yourself to complete tasks you tend to procrastinate on.
  • Creative Procrastination: Shift focus within a project to keep moving forward, even if it's not in a linear fashion.
  • Start with Priority Tasks: Tackle the most important tasks first thing in the morning to ensure they get done.

What are the 22 beliefs, behaviors, or bad habits that may stop you from finishing tasks?

  • Fear of Failure: Avoiding completion to escape potential criticism or failure.
  • Perfectionism: Delaying completion due to unrealistic standards of perfection.
  • Procrastination: Putting off tasks due to various underlying reasons.
  • Disorganization: Struggling to find or manage tasks due to clutter or lack of organization.
  • Overcommitting: Taking on too many tasks at once, leading to unfinished projects.

How does "How to Finish Everything You Start" address goal setting and prioritizing?

  • SMART Goals: Use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, Time-related) to set effective goals.
  • Prioritizing Tasks: Learn to distinguish between urgent and important tasks to focus on what truly matters.
  • Long-term and Short-term Goals: Set both long-term and short-term goals to guide daily actions and decisions.
  • ACTION Strategy: Assess, Control, Target, Innovate, Organize, and act Now to manage tasks effectively.

What are the best quotes from "How to Finish Everything You Start" and what do they mean?

  • "In this fast-paced, get-it-done environment, the real pressure is that to compete you must complete." - Highlights the importance of finishing tasks in a competitive world.
  • "The goal of How to Finish Everything You Start is to explore the causes, and the possible cures, for the failure to finish syndrome." - Emphasizes the book's focus on understanding and overcoming the reasons behind unfinished tasks.
  • "Finishing is an essential skill for those who want to get things done and to be more successful and productive." - Underlines the critical nature of completing tasks for success and productivity.

How does Jan Yager suggest using deadlines effectively?

  • Positive Tool: View deadlines as a positive tool to help organize and prioritize tasks.
  • Interim Deadlines: Break larger projects into smaller tasks with interim deadlines to maintain progress.
  • Realistic Deadlines: Set realistic deadlines based on past experiences and research to avoid unnecessary stress.
  • Self-imposed Deadlines: Create deadlines for tasks that don't have external deadlines to ensure they get done.

What role does delegation play in "How to Finish Everything You Start"?

  • Free Up Time: Delegating tasks can free up time for you to focus on what you do best.
  • Select the Right Person: Choose the right person to delegate tasks to, ensuring they have the skills and understanding needed.
  • Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions and deadlines to those you delegate tasks to.
  • Trust and Verify: Develop trust in the person you delegate to, but also verify their work to ensure quality.

How does "How to Finish Everything You Start" suggest handling too much to do at once?

  • Prioritize Tasks: Focus on one task at a time, prioritizing based on importance and urgency.
  • Learn to Say No: Avoid overcommitting by learning to say no to tasks that don't align with your priorities.
  • Selective Attention: Practice selective attention by giving full focus to one task before moving to the next.
  • Use To-Do Lists: Create effective to-do lists to organize tasks and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

What is the Hemingway Effect and how does it relate to finishing tasks?

  • Motivation to Finish: The Hemingway Effect suggests that being close to finishing a task increases motivation to complete it.
  • Structured Tasks: Tasks that are structured and have clear steps are more likely to benefit from this effect.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Use the feeling of being close to completion as positive reinforcement to push through to the end.
  • Task Management: Apply this concept by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts to maintain motivation.

Review Summary

3.54 out of 5
Average of 500+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

"How to Finish Everything You Start" offers practical strategies for overcoming procrastination and improving productivity. Readers appreciate its easy-to-follow exercises, worksheets, and real-life examples. The book's FINISH approach and time management tips are praised for their applicability. While some find the content repetitive or basic, others value its insights on goal-setting and task prioritization. Critics note that the book may be most beneficial for those new to productivity literature. Overall, reviewers found the book helpful in addressing common obstacles to completing tasks and projects.

Your rating:

About the Author

Jan Yager is a prolific author with a diverse academic background, holding degrees in fine arts, criminal justice, and sociology. Dr. Jan Yager has written over 45 books across various genres, including nonfiction, fiction, children's books, and poetry. Her professional experience spans editing, publishing, and consulting roles at prominent publishing houses. Yager's works have been published by major publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, and Penguin Random House. She also founded her own small press, Hannacroix Creek Books, Inc., over two decades ago. Yager's expertise in time management and productivity is reflected in her extensive research and writing on these subjects.

Other books by Jan Yager

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