Are you a chronic starter struggling to cross the finish line? Ever wondered why perfectionism can lead to a cycle of uncompleted projects? Curious about how a study from the University of Memphis can change the way you approach your goals? Dive in to discover how rejecting perfection and embracing progress can transform you from a chronic starter to a consistent finisher.

Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done

In 2013, Jon Acuff, the author, published a book urging readers to start their dreams—whether launching a business or embarking on a personal goal. He believed fear was the ghost holding them back. But as readers approached him year after year, Acuff discovered a more troubling pattern: starting wasn't the problem; finishing was.

Acuff, too, has a history of half-done projects—a blue belt in karate, unfinished Moleskine notebooks, and a moped that never saw the road. He wasn't alone. Studies show 92% of New Year's resolutions fail, comparable to the acceptance rate at Juilliard. This led him to believe he just needed to hustle harder. He tried energy drinks, life coaches, and early mornings, but nothing worked.

Then, in 2016, Mike Peasley, a researcher from the University of Memphis, approached Acuff to study participants from his 30 Days of Hustle goal-setting course. Peasley's findings were eye-opening: those who completed the course had a 27% higher success rate. The key wasn't in grinding harder but in taking the pressure off and ditching perfectionism.

Perfectionism tricks us into quitting the moment things aren't perfect. The day after perfect is where most people fall off. You miss a jog, eat a doughnut, or skip a writing session, and suddenly the goal seems unattainable. This is the perfectionist's lie: if it’s not perfect, it’s over.

People often aim too high, seeking massive, overnight success. But small, incremental progress matters more. The opposite of perfectionism isn’t failure—it’s finishing. Moving forward imperfectly is the secret to turning chronic starters into consistent finishers.

The emotional toll of uncompleted goals is heavy. You break promises to yourself, which erodes self-trust. Conversely, finishing something, no matter how small, feels incredible. Perfectionism magnifies mistakes and minimizes progress, creating an all-or-nothing mindset.

To truly finish, we must reject the idea that imperfection means failure. Embracing shortcuts, like turning off Wi-Fi to focus or refusing to keep ice cream at home, can make a significant difference. The day after perfect is the most crucial, separating starters from finishers.

Perfectionism isn't easily vanquished, but knowing its tricks can help us push past it. The journey to finishing is not about being perfect but about moving forward, even when things go wrong. So, let’s tackle our goals, imperfections and all, and become the finishers we aspire to be.

Are You a Chronic Starter or a Consistent Finisher: How Can We Overcome Perfectionism to Achieve Our Goals?

When Acuff was a college freshman, he attempted a wildly ambitious goal: becoming a field-goal kicker for his Division one football team, despite never having kicked a field goal or played a single down of football. Predictably, Acuff failed. This was a classic case of setting an unrealistic goal, driven by perfectionism.

Perfectionism first tells one not to start because they won’t be perfect. If they do start, it insists they must be flawless. This mindset often leads to setting oversized goals, only to quit when perfection isn’t achieved. Studies by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky call this the "planning fallacy," where people underestimate the time and effort needed for tasks.

For example, college seniors predicted they’d finish their theses in 34 days but took 56. A friend of Acuff's aimed to complete a 70.3-mile Ironman despite minimal training and ended up quitting all exercise routines. 

The solution? Cut your goal in half. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works. In Acuff's "30 Days of Hustle" program, participants who halved their goals saw a 63% increase in performance and a 90% boost in motivation. For instance, someone aiming to lose 10 pounds felt like a failure after losing 8, but if the goal was 5 pounds, they would feel victorious. 

The strategy isn't about doing less but pacing yourself for sustainable success. Goals are marathons, not sprints. If some goals can’t be halved, extend the timeline. This avoids the common fate of quitting due to unattainable targets.

In work settings, setting realistic goals from the start is crucial. One company aimed to double revenue in an unrealistic time frame, leading to demoralization and failure. Setting right-sized goals helps temper dangerous optimism.

To beat perfectionism, one should ask themselves, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Cutting one's goal in half or doubling the timeline can significantly improve their chances of success. This approach defies traditional goal-setting wisdom but sets one up for victory.

Try these steps to introspect:
1. Reflect on past goals: Were they too big?
2. Quantify your goal.
3. Decide if you can halve it or extend the timeline.
4. Share your goal with someone you trust.
5. Consider the worst-case scenario if you halve your goal. 

Start small to win big. Cut your goal in half and set yourself up for lasting success.

Half the Goal, Double the Success: A Counterintuitive Approach to Beating Perfectionism

When Acuff lived in Atlanta, his lawn was a disaster—a bright green facade masking a 10-to-1 weed-to-grass ratio. The yard guy couldn't hide his glee at the sales opportunities. Acuff's manhood should've taken a hit, given that maintaining a pristine yard is a neighborhood bragging right. But with two toddlers, he had bigger crises. Kids are an all-consuming whirlwind, and amidst chicken strip meltdowns, the yard became the least of his concerns.

In the chaos of toddlerhood, it's easy to believe one should handle it all. But the truth is, they can't. The myth of doing everything perfectly is a setup for failure. One has to choose what to bomb. Perfectionism's lie is believing you can do it all, but one must prioritize to succeed. Shonda Rhimes, creator of hit shows like *Grey's Anatomy*, exemplifies this by unapologetically letting some things slide to focus on what matters.

To achieve one's goals, they must practice "strategic incompetence." This means being okay with not keeping up with TV shows, ignoring Snapchat, semi-retiring from email, or outsourcing yard work. When Acuff started focusing aggressively on his goals, he chose to bomb TV conversations, Snapchat, email, and lawn maintenance. This allowed him to dedicate time to what truly mattered.

Saying no is crucial. One can't be everyone's best friend or attend every event. The word "no" is powerful, and using it wisely can help preserve time and energy. Simplifying tasks is also key—like opting for easy meals or accepting wrinkled laundry during busy periods.

Choosing what to bomb can be liberating. Acuff's wife, Jenny, felt a weight lift when she quit assisting in his business to focus on their marriage. Making these choices isn’t about abandoning responsibilities but about strategically neglecting less critical tasks to excel in areas that matter.

Actions:
1. List three things one could bomb to achieve their goal.
2. Simplify unavoidable tasks.
3. Identify relationships that might need to pause temporarily.

Can Embracing 'Strategic Incompetence' Like Shonda Rhimes Lead to Success?

Imagine setting a goal that’s actually fun. Crazy, right? Yet, many people slog through joyless targets because perfectionism whispers that if it’s not hard, it doesn’t count. According to Acuff, fun is crucial for success. He uses his own quest to master table tennis as an example. Instead of simply playing with friends, Acuff hired a coach, Steve Chan, and embarked on a bizarre journey that involved practicing in a college lobby. The lack of joy made him quit after just four sessions.

Acuff asserts that perfectionism tricks us into believing that goals must be grueling. However, he mentions research that shows fun isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Studies confirm that enjoyable goals enhance both satisfaction and performance success. Elite swimmers, for instance, laugh and enjoy themselves even in early morning practices.

Acuff brings up Jeremy Cowart, who made his goal of giving back fun by starting Help-Portrait, a project that offers free photoshoots to people in need. Instead of swinging hammers, Cowart used his photography skills, leading to over half a million portraits taken worldwide.

So, how does one inject fun into their goals? Acuff suggests starting by understanding their motivation type: reward or fear. If someone is driven by rewards, they should set enjoyable milestones like a movie after a big workday. If fear motivates them, they should establish consequences for not meeting targets, like David Hooper’s coach who threatened to send a donation to a hated political party if goals weren’t met.

Acuff also shares that weird examples work too. His friend, Stephen Nazarian, conditions himself to be productive by rewarding house chores with a Jacuzzi soak. Acuff himself has a bizarre ritual that involves lighting a balsam candle while writing, turning a simple scent into a symbol of progress.

Acuff emphasizes that fun isn’t just fluff; it’s a practical strategy proven to increase chances of success. He encourages people to ditch the grind and make their goals something to look forward to. Whether it’s through weird rituals, rewards, or even fear, Acuff advises people to find their fun and watch their progress soar.

Fun Fuels Success: Unleashing the Power of Joy in Achieving Goals

In 2004, Acuff launched a fantasy basketball newsletter that humorously talked about NBA stats, trends, and life lessons. Despite his dedication, only eight readers followed it weekly. Why did he persist? Because it was an easier distraction than writing a book, a classic case of perfectionism distracting him with "hiding places" and "noble obstacles."

Perfectionism first attacks your goals directly, then distracts you with seemingly productive activities. For instance, organizing Acuff's email felt productive but was a "hiding place." His wife, Jenny, often called him out on this. Perfectionism also presents "noble obstacles," like the belief you can’t start a project until something else is perfect.

One vivid example of overcoming noble obstacles is Jason Kanupp, a furniture maker in a factory. He created a tool to speed up his furniture assembly work. His innovation, though initially dismissed, increased his productivity by 50%. This illustrates the finisher's mindset: make things easier and simpler.

Sometimes, goals sit on the shelf. Michael Crichton and Steven Spielberg’s script for ER gathered dust for 19 years before it became a TV phenomenon. This shows that it’s never too late to pursue your goals.

To combat perfectionism, Acuff suggests you identify your hiding places, share them with a friend, and create a list of next goals. Simplify your tasks, like Jason did with his tool. And remember, goals are simple but not easy. Recognize and eliminate noble obstacles to clear the path to your finish line.

Is Perfectionism Biggest Obstacle to Success? How Michael Crichton & Steven Spielberg Overcame It!

Most people find Canada geese obnoxious, but the real villain in the bird world, according to Acuff, is the cuckoo. Instead of building their own nests, cuckoos lay eggs in others' nests, leaving the unsuspecting host to raise their young. The cuckoo chicks, hatching first, often kill the rightful occupants. Acuff likens this grim practice to how secret rules invade our lives, creating chaos without us even realizing it.

Perfectionism tricks us into following these secret rules, promising that perfect is possible if we just adhere to them. This was evident in Rob O’Neill’s story. As a Viacom VP, he endured painful travels with heavy, strap-laden luggage because he believed "wheels don’t count." It wasn’t until he saw another traveler effortlessly rolling a suitcase that he questioned this rule. He then realized that his true goal was comfortable travel, not painful endurance.

Similarly, Acuff had his own secret rule: "If it doesn’t come easily, it’s not worth doing." This rule stemmed from early successes, leading him to abandon projects that didn’t yield immediate results. This mindset stifled his natural enthusiasm for learning and growth.

To uncover and dismantle these secret rules, we must first identify them by asking questions like:
1. Do I even like this? 
2. What’s my real goal? 
3. Does the method match who I am? 
4. Is it time to quit?

For example, Charlie Neese, a Nashville meteorologist, realized he didn’t enjoy his job despite its prestige. He pivoted to real estate, finding happiness and success. Similarly, Laura Murphy-Rizk left law school, despite noble intentions, because it made her miserable.

Acuff cites Will Smith's career as an example of the power of borrowing others’ wisdom. Smith and his manager analyzed top-grossing films, identified patterns, and applied these insights to his career, leading to blockbuster success.

To break free from secret rules, Acuff recommends:
1. Identifying them.
2. Destroying them by questioning their validity.
3. Replacing them with healthier, truth-based rules.

By doing so, we clear our nests of destructive cuckoos, allowing us to pursue our goals authentically and effectively.

Breaking Free from Secret Rules: Lessons from Cuckoos, Geese, and Will Smith's Career

After Easter, Acuff asked his friend, a church worker, how their service went. “It was good, but we lost a few animals,” his friend replied. His church had a petting zoo, which didn’t end well. A rabbit died when a toddler accidentally jumped on it, and a duck was hugged too tightly. These moments screamed failure, but progress often whispers. This story highlights the importance of using data to recognize and celebrate achievements, even when perfectionism tries to overshadow them.

Acuff considered the "candle effect." In a dark room, the first candle dramatically changes the brightness. Each subsequent candle adds less noticeable light. Similarly, initial progress in goals is often more apparent than later stages, leading to perceived diminishing returns. For example, improving your running speed from 3 to 4 mph cuts 5 minutes off a mile, but increasing from 9 to 10 mph only saves 40 seconds. This can discourage if you don’t track and appreciate smaller increments of progress.

Jason Bartlett, a pharmacist, faced persistent weight gain and decided to lose 40 pounds. Despite hiring a trainer and dieting, the scale didn’t budge for eight weeks. Frustrated, Jason realized he lacked data beyond his weight, such as his pants size or the number of workouts. Without these, his progress felt invisible, making it harder to stay motivated.

Matthew Syed, in "Black Box Thinking," likens ignoring data to playing golf at night. Without seeing where the ball lands, you can’t improve your game. Similarly, without tracking progress, you can’t learn or adjust your efforts effectively. Acuff once launched a product expecting high sales, but data from previous launches helped him adjust his expectations and avoid disappointment when sales were low.

Data cuts through emotional noise, revealing the truth. It’s a "gift from yesterday" to improve tomorrow. Steve Butler, after losing his job, used data to pivot careers. He juggled two jobs and took online classes during lunch breaks. Data helped him see that his initial job wasn’t a failure but a stepping stone.

Here are three practical steps to use data:
1. Measure Backward: Look at past achievements to gain perspective.
2. Track Forward: Identify key metrics like time invested, money earned, or pounds lost.
3. Adjust Dials: If progress lags, tweak your goal, timeline, or actions.

Evaluate how you work best, like finding your "airplane" where you’re most productive. For some, it’s the limited distractions on a plane; for others, it might be a specific environment or routine. Learning from past experiences and adjusting your approach can enhance your chances of success.

Data combats perfectionism by highlighting real progress and guiding necessary adjustments. Don’t wait until problems escalate, like Acuff's squirrel-infested attic. Track a few key metrics and use them to navigate toward your goals, celebrating each step of imperfect progress along the way.

Can Embracing Data Help You Celebrate Imperfect Progress and Achieve Your Goals?

Acuff has never seen anyone quit a marathon at mile 25. Runners push through the pain, driven by months of training and the allure of the finish line. But why do so many of us struggle with completing other goals? Consider Meredith Bray, who took 23 years and a heart surgery to finally finish her undergraduate degree, or an artist who shredded her almost-finished works a hundred times because they weren't "perfect."

The day before done is terrifying. In 1980s rom-coms, characters would sprint through airports for love, breaking social norms in desperation. This desperation mirrors the last-ditch efforts of perfectionism to derail us just before we finish. It’s a villain that rises back up, aiming to topple our goals.

There are Three Final Fears of Perfection:
1. Fear of What Happens Next: Like Steinbeck’s character Henri in the novel "Cannery Row", who never finished his boat to avoid facing the ocean, we fear the unknown after completion. Talent unclaimed turns into bitterness.

2. Fear It Won't Be Perfect: People often stop just short of finishing, fearing the end result won't meet their expectations. Acuff almost didn’t complete the last Harry Potter book, and many avoid the finale of shows like Breaking Bad for similar reasons. But life rarely matches our perfect visions, and that's okay. Unpredictable outcomes, like the unexpected success of "Smokey and the Bandit," prove that perfectionism can’t predict results.

3. Fear of "What Now?": After achieving a goal, the question "what now?" can be daunting. Athletes and child stars often struggle with this, but we prepared for it by listing new goals. The finish line isn't an end but a new beginning.

When people finally push through and finish, it’s often because of a friend. Meredith needed a heart surgery wake-up call, but most breakthroughs come from simple interventions. The artist who shredded her work stopped because a friend casually said, "No more shredding"! Comedian Chris Hardwick changed his life after a jab from Jon Stewart on TV. 

We often avoid finishing to maintain control or avoid failure. Carly, who never played her violin, feared losing the dream of playing perfectly. Others fear raised expectations or enjoy the martyrdom of sacrificing their goals. If the benefits of not finishing outweigh the rewards of completing, we stay stuck.

Actions Steps to Improve:
1. Identify which final fear of perfectionism you struggle with most.
2. Write down the name of a friend you can reach out to for support.
3. Honestly answer, “What am I getting out of not finishing?”

Don’t let the day before done defeat you. Embrace the waves, critics, and imperfect outcomes. The joy of keeping a promise to yourself lies in finishing.

Conquering the Fear of Finishing: The Psychology of Perfectionism and Procrastination

The real culprit hindering us from achieving our dreams isn't the fear of starting, but the fear of finishing. Author Jon Acuff realized this after observing a recurring pattern among his readers and himself. From failed New Year's resolutions to half-finished projects, it became clear that the problem wasn't a lack of hustle but a paralyzing pursuit of perfection.

Perfectionism convinces us that if something isn't perfect, it's not worth doing. We set sky-high goals, then crumble under their weight. But what if we approached our goals differently? What if we realized that perfection isn't the goal, but progress is?

This shift in mindset was fueled by a study conducted by researcher Mike Peasley. He found that participants in Acuff's goal-setting course who ditched perfectionism in favor of achievable targets had a 27% higher success rate. The key to becoming consistent finishers, it turns out, lies in embracing our imperfections and celebrating small, incremental progress.

Remember the time Acuff bit off more than he could chew in college by trying to become a field-goal kicker with no prior experience? That's a classic case of perfectionism setting unrealistic expectations. Instead, Acuff suggests a counterintuitive approach: cut your goal in half. This strategy isn't about doing less; it's about pacing yourself for sustainable success.

And don't let perfectionism fool you into thinking you have to do everything perfectly. Shonda Rhimes, the TV show creator, is a perfect example of someone who lets some things slide to focus on what matters most. It's okay to say no, to simplify tasks, and to choose what to bomb. By doing so, you create room for what truly matters.

But what if we made our goals fun? Acuff's failed attempt to master table tennis underscores the importance of enjoying the journey. Fun isn't just beneficial—it’s essential. So, find what motivates you, be it rewards or fear of consequences, and make your goals something to look forward to.

Beware of perfectionism's sneaky tricks, like distracting you with seemingly productive activities or convincing you that something else must be perfect before you can start your actual project. To combat these, identify your hiding places and noble obstacles, share them with a trusted friend, and create a list of actionable next steps.

To recognize and celebrate your achievements, make data your friend. Use it to track your progress, guide your adjustments, and validate your efforts. Remember, progress often whispers, so celebrate each step of your journey.

As you approach the finish line, beware of the three final fears of perfection: fear of what happens next, fear it won't be perfect, and fear of "what now?" Don't let these fears derail you. Instead, lean on your friends for support, identify the benefits of finishing, and remember that the finish line isn't an end but a new beginning.

Ready to conquer your goals? Let's embrace our imperfections, celebrate our progress, and become the finishers we aspire to be!

Home

Trending Books

News & Mags

Relax

Curated

Collections

Key Ideas & Notes

Insights

Highlights & Bookmarks

Listening History

Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done

Jon Acuff

Are you a chronic starter struggling to cross the finish line?

Ever wondered why perfectionism can lead to a cycle of uncompleted projects?

Curious about how a study from the University of Memphis can change the way you approach your goals?

Dive in to discover how rejecting perfection and embracing progress can transform you from a chronic starter to a consistent finisher.

Key Ideas

#1