If you want to succeed you need to finish what you start. But often we lose motivation to finish tasks that are important, interesting, enjoyable, valuable and vital to our success.
Why does this happen?
According to Steve Levinson and Pete Greider, authors of "Following Through - A revolutionary new model for finishing whatever you start" the human brain is wired in such a way that it is difficult for us to finish certain projects.
We convince ourselves that we SHOULD be able to finish what we start because the justifications are so good e.g. we should go to the gym because it's so good for us; we should finish that report because we promised it would be done by tomorrow, we should make that phone call because it's the most important item on the "to do" list.
However, motivation is much more complicated than that. The brain is wired to be more convinced by immediate pay off. But we try to motivate ourselves using reasoning which pays off tomorrow, next week, next month or even in 20 years rather than today. Not surprisingly, the short term, immediate pay off wins out (e.g. we know we should go to the gym but our favourite TV programme is on now so we stay home to watch that. The pay off of going to the gym comes in 90 minutes. The programme is on now. Now is more powerful).
What now?
It is possible to use the brain's wiring to help us follow through…but it may mean doing the right thing for the "wrong" reasons.
1. Willpower Leveraging
We all have a little willpower, but probably less than we think. Use what you have to greatest effect by putting yourself in a position that makes it difficult to do the "wrong" thing. E.g. ask a colleague to check in on you at the end of the day to ensure you have done a particular task. If you are the kind of person who doesn't like to look bad in front of others, this will motivate you to finish the project.
2. Create Compelling Reasons
Sometimes the "right" reason to do something isn't the most motivating reason. So, while the right reason to keep your promise and hand that report in on time is that you said you would, a more compelling reason might be that when you meet a deadline you buy something nice for yourself! Design a strategy that will motivate you, even if you end up doing the "right" thing for the "wrong" reason.
3. Right Before Wrong
E.g. If you really want ice cream but you know you should have carrot sticks have the carrot sticks first. If you still want the ice cream afterwards that's fine. However you might find you don't want it after all. Adapt this analogy to your working life!
4. Strike While The Iron Is Hot
When you have the thought, take the action. E.g. you suddenly remember to make that important phone call. Instead of delaying, do it NOW while the iron is hot!
What have you started but haven't finished? Pick one of these strategies to motivate yourself and let me know how you got on.
I started writing a novel over a year ago and I'm starting to flag. Actually, I've already flagged. Then recently I realised there was a good peg for publishing the book... in 2043. So I think I have a bit of a motivational problem if I'm giving myself over 30 years to finish the book, YES? I may try eating a carrot instead.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 26, 2009 at 04:48 PM