I’m a starter, not a finisher

I’ve always loved the idea of a new project.

I remember back around middle school, maybe elementary school age, my annual project was deep cleaning my room.

My parents weren’t big chore assignors until later on in my teenage years, so often, I brought this project on by my own demise.

But, it excited me.

I’d blast some music, pull everything out of everywhere and get to work sorting with the keep, think, donate pile method.

However, just like any new thing, it got old. I grew tired of sorting, burnt out from cleaning every inch of my space, so I’d take a break. 

Now this break could be anywhere from 15 minutes to a year. I’d say on a good day, it lasted an hour and then I’d busy myself for another thirty minutes until throwing in the towel.

I’m realizing these are the habits I’ve instilled into my now adult life: get really stoked on said project until I’m burnt out and need an extended break… or ask someone else to step in to finish the job (aka my boyfriend).

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been getting better at rectifying this behavior; if not better, I’ve at least extended my productivity period.

I’ve also just learned to take on smaller projects that I am logistically able to finish. Or, if it’s a big project that can’t be ignored, I’m more willing to force myself (you’ve gotta love adulthood) to streamline through it until it’s done.

I’m a work in progress. No pun intended. 

There are just so many (like, so incredibly many) projects I want to put myself to the task for. A lot of them center around my creative side such as banging out more writing, continuing to produce videos and developing my ever-so forgotten podcasting platform—although to be honest, this might be already dead. 

At the same time, there are only so many hours in the day. And right now, for better or for worse, most of my hours are dedicated to coaching older clients through slow-motion strength training and chasing my own fitness goals as well. It’s a lot to fit in!

This isn’t an “oh, woe is me” blog post, I promise (kinda).

I’m hoping it will land somewhere between a stream of consciousness meets epiphany and the start of a game plan.

Ultimately, I’m owning up to my habit of starting and not finishing; giving it a label in order to take it down… eventually.