This Year, We Finish What We Start

I regularly discuss the inertia toward realizing our intentions and how our habits, mindset, distractions, and even unrealized values pull us away from what we say we desire to do and have.

What is it that keeps us from commencing, continuing, or completing the task at hand and reaching the desires of our hearts? 

As we enter 2024, we must reverse this trend – whether it's completing a race, submitting an assignment, producing a podcast, writing that book, or embarking on a new journey. This year, we finish what you start.

You might wonder why there is tension and a struggle with following through on your intentions. Not finishing what we start is a common issue for many. It can quickly become overwhelming as tasks accumulate; days lean into weeks and blend into years. 

Here are some common reasons for the inertia that I've encountered and helped others navigate through as well:

1. You are stuck in your patterns: Everything has a pattern: Everyone and Everything. You may be unable to follow through because you're entrenched in your old rhythm. Napoleon Hill tells us to beware of these hypnotic rhythms-habits of thought and action that pull us away from our desired goal and even who we want to be and become. Truthfully, these habits give us precisely what they are designed to provide-normalcy, confirmation, and comfort. It's crucial; however, to examine our habits since everything follows a pattern. As Dr. John Dryden writes, "First we make our habits, then our habits make us." To address the challenge, it is imperative to supplant the habits that create barriers and build new ones that align with your goals and intentions.

2. You say one thing, and your values say another: Sometimes, there is a conflict between our conscious and subconscious desires. This leads to misalignment in our values and actions. You may engage in behaviors that sabotage your intentions because your subconscious doesn't align with your conscious goals. 

Sounds familiar?

Remember that your values are some of your most important motivators – they determine what you're willing to exchange your time, resources, focus, and energy for. To overcome these challenges, addressing the misalignment between your conscious and subconscious desires and reevaluating your values and habits is essential. By doing so, you will be better equipped to follow through on your intentions and achieve success in both your personal and professional life. Keep this thought with you: Identity, beliefs, values, and emotional states drive our potential, behaviors, and actions, which, in turn, drive our results. 

3. You are waiting for "the spark": Another possible reason for not following through on commitments is a lack of proactivity. If you're waiting for someone or something to push you into action... 

This.Is.Very.Unlikely.

Know that few people have the capacity to constantly monitor your progress toward your personal goals or intentions. In fact, many are having a hard enough time monitoring their own. Waiting for external motivation to spur action often leads to stagnation. Remember, Responsibility and Empowerment are partners on the journey. Personal goals require self-driven initiative. Being proactive and taking ownership of your objectives is vital to improving follow-through. Maslow exclaimed, "What one can be, one must be." You must be your own spark at times. This is where your deliberate disciplines kick in and are absolutely necessary. These deliberate disciplines should be aligned with your values, which should also align with your desired outcomes. They will push you along until you feel inspired again-even through the next valley.  Action is and will be the key to enhancing follow-through in your life.

As we conclude this part of our journey and begin anew, remember that the path to fulfilling our intentions is often paved with introspection and proactive steps. The insights we've explored are just the beginning. 

In the next part of this series, we'll delve deeper into the lessons we can learn from our unfinished tasks and how they can guide us toward a more intentional and fulfilling life in 2024. Together, let's make the year not only dream but also do. It is a year where we start, continue, and, most importantly, finish what we aim to achieve.

Let me know if it's helpful and even a good reminder.

Be well and brave.

Tray T.S. Deadwyler

P.S.

My theme for the year and something that may help center you as well:

Progress only occurs in the present.