Why finishing a half-baked project is better than settling for a perfect nothing

Like most of us, I work on multiple compartments or projects when we’re feeling fancy. I usually start with a hiss and a roar until it either gets a) too hard b) too boring c) you’ve bumped into someone you know (virtually or in real life), explained your work to them and to you, they’ve seemed indifferent so you slowly but surely, leave it alone. That’s a euphemism for giving up on it. You stop trying and move on to the next thing you’ve started and will repeat the same process with.

Next time this happens, please humour us and try this out. Imagine finishing this project, in all it’s half-baked glory. Find a safe space to close your eyes and really picture, what it would feel to hand the manuscript over, pick up the published book from the printers, speak at the opening where your artwork is being exhibited or do an interview for your film’s or concerto’s premiere. What does that do to your heart, brain and the rest of your body? I know what it does for me. It re-ignites me and plan baby steps to finish it or if I know, in my heart of hearts, the project has no more return on investment value, this is where I say goodbye to the project and leave it.

Let me know whether you try this technique and what happens for you.