Things People Start But Don’t Finish: An SEO Optimized Guide

Starting new projects can be exciting, but have you ever encountered the challenge of not completing them? From writing stories to programming tools and even crafting, many begin these endeavors with enthusiasm but eventually lose steam. In this guide, we explore some common examples of unfinished tasks and offer tips on how to stay motivated and see your projects through to the end.

Writing and Creative Projects

As I've aged, I've noticed a pattern of starting projects and making progress, only to falter along the way. For instance, I started stories and made it a few pages in, created bullet points, and even completed theme anthologies in the 90s and 00s. However, the market for these anthology's has dwindled, and I still haven't finished my ongoing story, "Lady I Did It."

Another project I'm currently working on is "The Saints and the Aints." While I have no deadlines, I must remain diligent to avoid becoming overly lazy. Sketching is another passion, but even that has faced challenges. I stopped working on a sketch of Roy Clark performing "Maleguena" because I realized it might be compromised if I tried to improve it further.

Aside from writing, many programming projects begin and then remain largely unfinished. For example, I once started a small tool to select between multiple free community sites but lost interest after creating a usable list of ten options. These stories and projects stand as reminders of the importance of perseverance and time management.

The Case for Unrealized Aspirations

Unfinished projects can take various forms. Consider, for example, a model designed to be about a foot long but never completed. It resonates with me because I recall being given a paint-by-numbers project and immediately finding reasons to procrastinate. The project was destined to remain incomplete due to my inability to follow through on commitments, much like the model that never reached its full potential.

Notable Examples of Began Projects

Not everyone's unfinished projects are purely personal. From literary classics to biographies and even artistic endeavors, many notable projects have been started but never finished. For example, George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, Patrick Rothfuss' "The Kingkiller Chronicles" series, and Robert Caro’s multi-volume biography "The Years of Lyndon Johnson" are just a few examples. In these cases, it’s not always the author's fault, as many external factors can contribute to unfinished work.

Overcoming Creative Blocks and Procrastination

It's important to realize that starting a project is just the first step. Once the ball is rolling, it's easier to keep moving forward. Here are a few tips to help you make progress and complete your projects:

Set small, achievable goals to encourage steady progress. Create a realistic timeline to ensure you meet deadlines. Kick procrastination by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Find an accountability partner to keep you on track.

Remember, life is too short to leave valuable pursuits unfinished. So, whether you're writing a story, programming a tool, or engaging in any other creative pursuit, commit to finishing what you start. As the saying goes, 'Get busy fellows! You aren’t getting any younger and neither am I!'

The Importance of Resilience

While some may argue that certain projects are impractical or unfeasible, resilience and a problem-solving mindset can often lead to unexpected successes. Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve found that many ostensibly simple tasks, like crocheting a circular tablecloth or watercolour painting, can quickly become complex when deadlines or pressures mount. Making a fire during a crocheting project or finding fault in a paint-by-numbers project can be demotivating, but these setbacks offer valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability.

In conclusion, the journey of unfinished projects is common, but recognizing the importance of completion can make all the difference. By setting achievable goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and maintaining a resilient mindset, you can turn your creative visions into tangible realities.