Finish It!

As I've shared with you in the past, every year I create a set of guidelines (a result of my long-time use of Jinny Ditzler's powerful Best Year Yet system) that help me stay on track with my goals and intentions. This year, one of my guidelines has been "Finish It!"

"Finish it!" came from my realization that I was continually leaving things half-done, hanging or incomplete. This habit ran the gamut from not finishing a bottle of water to not following up in a timely manner with someone I met at a networking event. My guideline has become like a personal anti-virus program that quietly but persistently reminds me to finish what I start. So this week, I invite you to take a look around you and join me on the quest to finish and get complete with what is undone in your own life or business.

As I said, this guideline applies most readily to the mundane "little" things in life-from the unused item in your pantry to returning that phone call you promised to make; writing the thank-you or apology note, or clearing out and passing on clothing that's been hanging in your closet unworn for longer than you can remember. But get enough of those unfinished or incomplete projects or items in your life and it's like putting sand in your gas tank; everything comes to a halt. The good you want to attract can't get to you! So what is it that has been quietly screaming to be finished in your life or business?

Here are some of the best reasons I've discovered for taking the time to identify and get complete with as much as possible as quickly as possible.

• Energy. That which is unfinished or incomplete acts as an energy siphon, like a virus on your computer, draining your power and effectiveness. Although one unfinished project or incompletion might not sound like much, when you accumulate enough of them you feel drained and distracted. If you want an almost immediate boost of positive energy, just try cleaning up a couple of the incompletes on your list this week. Even something as small as putting books back on the shelf or getting rid of unread magazines or catalogs is powerful.

·         Integrity. When you make the conscious choice to finish even the little things, you honor your highest self. Your act of completion is an acknowledgement that you are taking 100% responsibility for your life. If you've read the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz you know the first agreement is: "Be impeccable with your word." Finishing things is a powerful way of demonstrating that impeccability. Write the note; make the phone call. Nothing feels more empowering than honoring your highest self.

• Savings. I noticed, when I declared this the year of finishing things, just how much I was wasting: from make-up to unused food in my pantry to unworn clothing, and many, many seemingly small, but unfinished projects and items around me. By consciously finishing what I start, I find I'm spending less, valuing more and finding ways to serve others as well. Finishing even a small project at work, I'm wasting less time on trivialities. I consider recycling and passing on unused or gently used items a powerful way of completing the circle of consumption. And in the process, I've become even more mindful of the precious resources I'm using. Where might you save yourself or someone else time, money, energy by finishing or completing your cycle of use?

You can probably add to this short list of benefits. But start now by taking inventory. Look around your home, office, car, life this week and ask: What is unfinished? What do I need to complete? Make a list and then make a decision, a commitment about how and when you intend to finish or complete each item. Then get in action.

I predict the sense of satisfaction and burst of energy you get from completing just a few things on the list will be the fuel you need to propel you through to the finish line! And what better way to start this first week of spring than by making and keeping a vow to finish what you start. It might even be part of your spring cleaning ritual. Now go ahead, spring into action and "git 'er done!"