Why Smart People Fail to Start or Finish and Get Stuck (And How to Fix It)
The No Follow-Through Bug: Why Smart People Get Stuck and How to Get Unstuck
So, you're smart, capable, and full of ideas. But for some reason, you can't seem to get anything of substance to the finish line.
You start projects with enthusiasm, but they quickly fizzle out.
You dream big, but your dreams never seem to materialize.
Sound familiar?
You're not alone.
A lot of people struggle with this "no follow-through" bug. It comes in different flavors, but the underlying problem is the same: a disconnect between intentions and actions.
Some people get stuck in the planning phase, endlessly researching and strategizing but never taking that first step.
Others are like whirling dervishes, jumping from one shiny project to the next without ever finishing anything.
And then there are those who get paralyzed by perfectionism, endlessly refining their ideas but never sharing them with the world.
It's a frustrating cycle, and it can leave you feeling like a failure. All that potential and not much to show for it!
On the outside, you might look successful, but deep down, you know you're not living up to your full potential. There’s shame, there’s guilt, a sense of deep disappointment. The weight of unfinished projects and unfulfilled dreams can be a heavy burden to bear.
The Journey to Change: Rewiring Your Brain
But here's the good news: you can break free from this cycle. It's not easy, and there's no quick fix, but change is definitely possible.
It starts with understanding that this isn't just a matter of willpower or time management. It's a deeper issue that requires a fundamental shift in the way you think, act, and relate to yourself.
Think of it like renovating an old house.
You can't just slap on a fresh coat of paint and call it a day. You have to dig deep, rip out the old wiring, fix the plumbing, maybe even knock down some walls. It's messy, it's uncomfortable, but the end result is a house that's stronger, more functional, and better suited to your current needs.
The same goes for personal change.
You can't just try a few productivity hacks and expect everything to magically fall into place. You need to be willing to get your hands dirty, to confront your fears and insecurities, to challenge your assumptions about who you are and what you're capable of.
It’s not easy, but here’s what we often forget: we don’t need to do it alone. The heavy self-help shelf and our Heroic Individualism culture may have convinced you that it’s all your job, but maybe that assumption is exactly what keeps you stuck.
Sometimes your real job is to simply GET HELP.
Getting Help Along the Way: Borrowing a Prefrontal Cortex
One of the most powerful tools you have in this process is other people. Find someone you trust – a therapist, a coach, a mentor, a friend – who can help you navigate the messy terrain of personal growth.
Think of it like "borrowing their prefrontal cortex," that part of the brain responsible for planning, decision-making, and self-regulation.
Procrastination and the inability to follow through are often rooted in emotional issues. We get overwhelmed, scared, or just plain stuck. Having someone to help you manage those emotions and keep you on track can be a game-changer.
Learning by Doing: Building Executive Skills
But remember, change doesn't happen just by talking about it.
ALL LEARNING IS EXPERIENTIAL.
You have to put in the work, the practice, the repetition. It's like learning to ride a bike – you can't just read a manual and expect to be able to hop on and go. You have to get on the bike, fall down a few times, and figure it out through trial and error.
The same goes for learning to follow through on your goals. You have to practice finishing things, even if they're small things. The more you do it, the easier it gets, and eventually, it becomes a habit.
But what exactly are you practicing?
You're building executive skills, those mental muscles that help you plan, prioritize, focus, and manage your emotions. Most of us don't really learn these skills in school, but they're essential for success in all areas of life.
If you're struggling with procrastination and follow-through, chances are you're weak in some of these areas, with the key being knowing how to self-regulate effectively.
That's okay – you can strengthen them with practice.
Experiment with different techniques. Get someone to help you do the doing.
And most importantly, try to take more trips outside your comfort zone and into your stretch zone. That's where the real growth happens.
Tired of the never ending battle between the opposing voices in your head?
Are you're ready to move beyond stuckness?
Awesome.
Drop your email and be the first one to find out when the Safe Space to create, experiment, fail, stretch and grow it ready.
Let me know when the Creative Companion is ready!
Can’t wait?
I get it. Get in touch for some 1:1 mental hand-holding and jumping over the puddles.
Let's connect and explore the possibilities together!
