There are many types of people and each has notable strengths and weaknesses. Some naturally lead, others are strong in executing plans, and the rare ones do both. Regardless of your personality or strengths, follow-through is what propels you to closing the deal, completing a project, sealing a relationship, achieving a goal or honoring a commitment.
Knowing what you want to achieve is important, but setting a concrete deadline is equally crucial. Set a deadline that will drive you to follow through to ultimate success. The deadline should be one that you can work with, be accountable for and help you stay on track. Setting realistic, timely goals is the key to achieving them.
Often in our lives, not following through may have consequences. Follow-through may not always be pleasant, but without it, there is no reward. Here are a few tips to make follow-through easier:
• Break tasks down into do-able parts. No task is too trivial to be part of the whole.
• Do one thing at a time. This requires focus. Multi-tasking splits your focus and often ends with nothing being actually completed, and many things half-done.
• Commit to completing a specific activity within a specified amount of time.
• Think ahead and prioritize. What is most necessary to be done immediately vs. what can wait? Or, what can be completely crossed off your list?
• Understand what motivates you. You are much more likely to follow through if you are motivated. Are you motivated by material rewards, emotional fulfillment, camaraderie, prestige, etc.? Once you determine what motivates you, you will be able to reward yourself accordingly.
• Be real. Is there too much on your plate? Are you taking on too many things with too short a deadline? People-pleasers have the hardest time saying ‘No’ but it’s imperative to be realistic in order to follow through on what is most important.
• Manage your time. There are 24 hours in the day and they are yours to schedule, so be clear on what activities require the most energy. Remember to factor in some down time so you can breathe, relax and keep burnout at bay. This may require “padding” your blocks of times so you have a little extra leeway with each task.
Whether you’re easily distracted or totally engaged, follow-through is easier when you block time to work without having to answer calls, check social media or reply to emails. Distractions are everywhere, but remember that you are in control: you can mute the phone and shut off notifications on all devices. Let’s approach the final months of the year with determination and follow-through!
Source:
https://fellow.app/blog/productivity/ways-to-overcome-a-lack-of-follow-through/
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