There are two ways to look at your progress on current projects to stay motivated: focusing on all you’ve already accomplished (e.g. you lost 10kg out of your 20kg goal) or what’s left to accomplish (just 10kg more). Guess which one is more effective?
Photo by Dragan Babic.
Yes, recent research citied by the Harvard Business Review suggests “to-go” thinking — or focusing on what you have left to accomplish — is better than “to-date” thinking — focusing on the progress you’ve already made. Thinking of how far you’ve come can give you a premature sense of accomplishment and cause you to slack off or perhaps switch to starting another goal.
If you display a very classic weakness of being great at starting things but not finishing them, perhaps forcing yourself to stay focused on the goal and not celebrating job milestones will help you stay motivated and check off more projects as truly completed.
How to Become a Great Finisher [Harvard Business Review]
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