Issue 097: Are You a Natural Starter or Finisher?
—John Pierpont “J.P.” Morgan
A few months ago, I had a conversation with several speaker friends around “Are you a natural starter or a finisher?” How would you answer? Starter? Finisher?
Starters love to, well, start a new project. They’re excited about new ideas and they’re off jumping into them. Then, as the project continues, their energy diminishes and they’re distracted by another new idea and they’re leaving the “in the works” project behind. Starters have a hard time finishing.
Finishers love getting into the details, and they will see a project through to completion. They are getting it done. A finisher finds it challenging to initiate a new project. Sometimes, they let perfectionism keep them from starting.
Negative chatter doesn’t help. Starters react by saying “I never finish” and Finishers say, “I can’t get started.”
Without a doubt, I’m a starter. And my friend who initiated the conversation is a starter, too. I love running wild with new ideas. And it shows from the number of projects I have “in the works.” Okay, I do eventually finish them—just not in the order I start them. When I have a deadline, I’m all in. When I have a client project, no problem. I get it done.
So, how is this Starter being proactive and bouncing-up? In January 2022, I set out to “finish” all my “in the works” projects. Each week, my accountability partner holds me responsible for my weekly actions to complete my current project (and avoid starting a new one). If a new idea distracts me, I call my accountability partner. Two weeks ago, I completed the revisions of my next pocket-size book, the Bounce-Up™ Principle. It’s in the hand of my fabulous, advanced readers and edits are back from my amazing editor.
Whether you’re a Starter or Finisher, here are some ways to overcome our Starter/Finisher challenges and Bounce-Up™:
Recognize and “own” that you’re a Starter or Finisher.
Get an accountability partner or hire help to track progress regularly.
For starters, outline the actions/tasks needed to complete the projects. It’s a huge advantage knowing what you need to do to finish.
For finishers, outline the actions/tasks needed to start the project. This includes finding the courage to take the first step, as well as implementing a positive “you can do it” mindset. Ignore perfectionism and jump in.
Celebrate milestones with rewards. Everyone loves rewards.
Bounce-Up™ Momentum Builders
What steps do I need to take to finish a project??
Who can help me jumpstart an idea?
What reward will I give myself to “start” or “finish”?
Mj Happenings!
Last week I hit the main stage at Penn State as the opening keynoter and my sidekick Henry joined me on stage to present Fearless Comebacks: Make Your Bounce Back Your Bounce-Up™. “Mj that was an amazing presentation,” said one attendee and I found out later he was a drama instructor.
Build-Out Productions host Jim Kunkle and I hit key points about “Sales Is In The Follow-Up” in last week’s Livestream that had incredible replay views.
One of my private corporate clients booked Rev-Up Your Revenue! 😊
Until next time, Power-Up, Play-Up™, and Bounce-Up™.
Mj
P.S. Do you know a person who bounced-up? Do you know a company that overcame challenges? Would love for you to share the name, please?
