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Building on Last Week
Last week, we talked about the importance of getting started -- that scary but crucial first step toward any goal. Today, we're building on that, because getting started is only half the battle. The other half? Actually finishing what you started.
Following through is something I've personally struggled with for a long time, and honestly, it's a big reason I haven't yet crossed the finish line on many of my goals. That's exactly why it's become one of my main focuses this year.
A Personal Example
As I mentioned previously, I'm currently working toward my Pilates Instructor certification. When you sign up for the program, you're given a year to complete all of your required hours. I won't go into every detail, but there are two key areas I still need to finish before I can take my final assessment.
Part of me keeps saying: the end is so close -- push hard and get it done. And that drive is real. Completing this certification is something I genuinely want and am excited about. But there's another part of me -- the multi-passionate, can't-focus-on-just-one-thing part -- that makes it hard to put all my eggs in one basket. I've aways been this way, and I'm running into the same challenge now.
My goal is to complete my final test-out in May, giving me about two months to wrap everything up. That's absolutely doable -- but only if I have a proper structure in place.
Where Follow-Through Falls Apart
And that's exactly where most follow-through falls apart.
You get so excited to finally start the thing you've been putting off. You feel proud of yourself for taking that first step. But then what? If you're enrolled in a structured program or course, the next step is usually laid out for you. But if you're pursuing something on your own, that roadmap doesn't just appear. You have to build it.
That's why I believe building structure should be your very next step after getting started. Once you've taken that initial leap, you need a foundation strong enough to carry you all the way through.
How To Build Your Structure
What that structure looks like will vary greatly from person to person -- our goals and paths are all different. But that's actually more reason to be intentional about creating it.
Start with your daily minimum standard. Ask yourself: What are the non-negotiables? What will I commit to getting done every single day -- even on the busiest, most overwhelming days? Keep this list simple and realistic. These aren't your stretch goals, they're your baseline.
Then, block out your week with intention. Assign each day a category of tasks -- one day for admin work, another for creative tasks, another for gathering supplies or doing research. The specifics will depend on your goal, but the principle stays the same.
Constantly task-switching throughout the day is one of the biggest drains on productivity. When you batch similar tasks together, you work faster and more efficiently -- getting more done in less time with less mental fatigue.
Your Challenge This Week
Create your minimum daily standard and map out a weekly structure for whatever you're working toward. Stick to it consistently, and you'll be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
Getting started is crucial. But following through is the only way to actually achieve your goals!
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