As I am working on the quilt I am making for my uncle from my grandmother’s old clothes, I was wondering about finishing the quilt. It occurred to me that people are predominantly either a starter or a finisher. Which are you?
A starter likes to start projects, and then they tire, and move on to starting another project, often leaving several unfinished projects trailing behind.
The finisher loves to wrap things up. They get jobs done, but have a hard time starting a new project.
I am, by far, a starter. And, if you know what you are, then you can take steps to balance starting and finishing.
If you are a starter, take a minute and write down all of your currently unfinished projects. Okay, so you might need more than a minute, but this part is important. It’s not meant to make you feel guilty about not finishing, it is to give you a checklist to work from. Then, commit to NOT starting any other project until one on your list has been completed. So, pick the most important one (use the 80/20 rule) and get started, and force yourself to work until it is complete.
If you are a finisher, take a minute to brainstorm what you could do in your personal life or in business that would help you go to the next level. Then, write down the steps that would be needed to meet that goal or project. Break things down into small steps. And most importantly, commit to starting a new project by doing the first task. Often just starting a new project will lead a finisher to finish it.
If you are a starter, do you know a finisher that you could collaborate with? If you are a finisher, do you know a starter that you could help? This is a great way to get more accomplished – by focusing on what is your strength.
Okay, so back to the quilt, since I am forcing myself to finish it! It’s only taken about 4 1/2 years! Really, I promise it will get done!
To your success,
Dr. Laura
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