MY THERAPIST TOLD ME
THE WAY TO ACHIEVE TRUE INNER PEACE
IS TO FINISH WHAT I START.
SO FAR, I'VE FINISHED TWO BAGS OF M&MS
AND A CHOCOLATE CAKE.
I FEEL BETTER ALREADY.
(Dave Barry)
I used to finish every book I started reading. Didn't matter if I wasn't enjoying it - I started it, I had to finish it. I'm like that with a lot of things in my life, and I believe that creates more stress than necessary.
The sense of satisfaction when you finish a project is wonderful, no doubt. But I'm learning that stopping something I'm not enjoying, something that's not working for me, is wonderful in a different way. It's freeing. And it's a feeling I hope to experience more and more as I try new things, explore different creative outlets.
This week, let's finish something we started. Or, let's not. The choice is ours.
Funny saying.
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since I powered through a book I wasn't enjoying. I won't do that anymore. Life is too short.
It's been years for me, too. I think a lot of that change comes with age. :)
DeleteI think Dave Barry totally had it right.
ReplyDeleteI always finish every book I start. In the back of my mind, I keep telling myself that I'd probably be happier if I put it down in favor of a story I would enjoy, but I haven't yet taken that next step.
It felt the weird the first few times I stopped reading, but now it's second nature.
DeleteFinishing something can be hard, but choosing not to finish it is usually harder. I usually try to finish books even if I'm not enjoying them. With other things, though, it's not always as easy to keep going.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we do need to power through and finish what has to get done. Sometimes, we don't. Figuring which is which, figuring that out for ourselves, can take time.
DeleteVery true. My insistence on finishing what I started nearly destroyed my life when I picked the wrong course at University.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for catching that!
DeleteI remember the first book I ever put down. I felt guilty at first, but then I realized how much time 'not finishing it' gave me back.
ReplyDeleteYou got more time to read or to do something else you enjoy. :)
DeleteI figure life is too short to worry about finishing something we're not enjoying. Move on to something that makes you smile.
ReplyDeleteSounds good!
DeleteI love chocolate but after all of that I think I'd be feeling worse. lol
ReplyDeleteI used to be the same way about finishing every book I was reading even if I hated it, but now I think, "Why bother? Why waste my time and enjoyment?"
I actually might be able to finish my current WIP this week...or next week. Soon!
I hear you about all that chocolate. :)
DeleteGood luck with your current WiP!
I used to do the same thing when it came to reading a book but like you, I've stopped doing that. I wish I could stop getting older. I don't like that.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
Well, you know what they say - getting older beats the alternative.... :)
DeleteI'm a slow reader so I don't have the luxury to finish a book if I'm not enjoying it. There are far too many other books I want to read.
ReplyDeleteI'm a pretty fast reader, but I agree about so many other books I want to try/read. :)
DeleteI agree -- and the older I get, the less driven I am to finish anything I don't enjoy. Sometimes I get back to the project later, and sometimes not. Does it really matter? Not unless I'm on a paying job....
ReplyDeleteSure, there are certain things we need to do, some things we have to finish, but I've spent too much time putting that attitude on everything, even when it wasn't the case, when it wasn't necessary.
DeleteOne of my very best days ever was when I finished my first story. I had written hundreds and they all stalled out. I didn't know what pushing on truly meant until I succeed with my short. A total rush.
ReplyDeleteAnna from Elements of Writing
There is absolutely a time, a place, a project for finishing. Accomplishing something important to us is an amazing feeling!
Delete