The Unexpected Magic of Not Finishing Everything

Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of to-dos, with endless demands vying for your attention? Like you're constantly juggling tasks and putting out fires, with no time to catch your breath? I've been there, and it's exhausting!

Source: Roman Samborskyi Shutterstock

A Different Kind of Goal

But here's a secret weapon to help you find your way:

Ask yourself, "What's the most important thing not to finish today?"

We're always so focused on what we should be doing, checking things off our lists, finishing everything we start. It's all about reaching that milestone, and hitting that goal, right? But here's a different way to think about it: sometimes, not finishing things is a good thing.

My "Unfinished" Confession

I'll admit, I'm a master of the "unfinished". I often take multiple sessions to watch a documentary, pausing to ponder a particular idea or let a powerful image sink in. Sometimes, I'll even rewind a scene just to experience it again, savoring the emotions and insights it evokes. And when I read, I often find myself rereading the same sentence several times, just letting the words swirl in my mind and spark new connections. There's something incredibly comforting about giving myself the freedom to stop whenever I want, with no pressure to continue until I'm ready. It's like creating a space for my mind to breathe and wander, to make its own discoveries at its own pace. And that's why I believe so strongly in the power of not finishing.

I used to be obsessed with finishing everything, but those tiny pauses — a few minutes to breathe, a walk outside — opened up a whole new world. That's how I discovered the magic of the unfinished.

Whoa, hold on! I know, I know. This might sound a little crazy. Like I'm telling you to give up or be lazy. But trust me, it's not that at all. It's about finding the rhythm between finishing and not finishing, and consciously choosing where you want the pendulum to swing. Sometimes it needs a push towards completion, and other times it needs a gentle nudge towards being ok with not finishing it. The key is to recognize where you are in that swing and intentionally guide it in the direction that serves you best in the moment. Think about it: the school system often trains us to race towards the end goal, to finish the book and move on. But what if real learning happens when we linger when we allow ourselves to get lost in the ideas and explore them in our own way? It's like we're given a map and told to follow the marked path, but sometimes the most exciting discoveries are made when we veer off course and wander into uncharted territory.

Beyond the Finish Line

Consider this: Do you really need to finish that podcast in one sitting? Or watch that whole movie tonight even though you're getting tired? Probably not. Instead of rushing, try savoring each moment. Pay attention to the details, the nuances, the things that spark your curiosity. It's like trying to speed-read a whole book — you might get the general idea, but you'll miss all the interesting details and deeper meanings. When we rush to the end, obsessed with just finishing, we often miss the best parts — the unexpected twists, the thought-provoking moments, the things that make us think.

The real goal isn't just to finish; it's to get the most out of it. To learn something new. To grow. To gain an insight that helps us understand ourselves and the world around us. To find that one idea that sparks our imagination and helps us adapt to whatever we're experiencing.

Embrace the Unfinished

Instead of rushing to the finish line, try this:

1. Hit the Pause Button: Free yourself from the need to finish everything you start. When something truly grabs your attention, give yourself permission to stop and explore it. This is where the shift starts to happen. Instead of focusing on the goal of finishing, you're allowing yourself to be present in the moment and experience what's unfolding.
2. Engage Your Curiosity: Let your mind be drawn to what fascinates you. Release the urge to overthink it, just let it flow. There's no goal here, no need to force anything. Just be open to receiving whatever it is you need to hear, see, or feel. If nothing is coming to you right away, try asking yourself some questions about what you just encountered. Why did it catch your attention? What does it make you think about? How does it connect to other things you know?
3. Share Your Discoveries (When It Feels Right): Sometimes, you'll want to talk about your thoughts and insights with a friend or someone you trust. Sharing can help you understand things better and spark new ideas. But hey, no pressure! If it doesn't feel right to share in the moment, that's totally cool. Trust your inner voice; it knows when it's time to share and when it's time to keep those discoveries close to your heart.
4. Let Your Mind Wander: Give yourself some time to just think. Daydream, brainstorm, and let your imagination run wild. You never know what amazing ideas might pop up! Grab a notebook and jot down any thoughts or ideas that come to you. Doodle, draw, write a poem, make a mind map — whatever helps you explore those thoughts! There's no right or wrong way to do it; just let your creativity lead the way. Remember, creativity is all about letting your self-expression flow freely, without any rules or restrictions. It's about tapping into that awesome energy inside you and letting it out!
5. Embrace the Power Being You: Step away from the noise and the rush. Find a quiet space, breathe deeply, and just "be" for a little while. Often, the most exciting discoveries happen when we slow down and give ourselves time to think.

Source: DALL-E / Open AI

Chart Your Own Course

What will you leave behind today? What distractions will you ditch to make space for the things that truly matter to you? Choose one thing to pause, one thing to explore more deeply, one thing to simply let go of. Choose wisely, and watch as your focus sharpens, your creativity blossoms and your life becomes an adventure!

It's time to break free from the linear cages of finishing, a construct that exists nowhere in nature. Rivers change course, trees shed their leaves, caterpillars transform into butterflies — everything is in a constant state of flux and evolution. Embrace the flow, rewrite the rules, and discover your own path.