Chapter 1: The Challenge of Completion

In his acclaimed book, "Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average, and Do Work that Matters," Jon Acuff believed he had uncovered the key to productivity. However, he soon realized that the challenge of beginning a task is just one part of the equation. The real hurdle often lies in our inability to complete what we have started, a concept he thoroughly addresses in his subsequent work.

In the first chapter of "Finish," Acuff delves into the reasons behind our abundance of unfinished endeavors, from novels and artworks to marathons and home renovations. As someone who has an incomplete novel residing on my computer, I was compelled to read this book, both out of curiosity and a hint of guilt.

The Core Message:

Acuff identifies a significant obstacle early on:

“Throughout this book, we will return to perfectionism as our ultimate villain.”

Perfectionism is the primary barrier preventing us from finishing our tasks, and the remainder of the book offers strategies to conquer this formidable foe.

Acuff highlights several misconceptions we often accept as truths:

• If it’s not perfect, it shouldn't be done.
• Your goal isn’t ambitious enough; it should be grander.
• You can achieve this without any hurdles.
• Every artist must suffer; it’s part of the journey.
• Fame and success could lead to your downfall.
• Seeking assistance is a sign of weakness.

These are merely a few of the falsehoods we tell ourselves that hinder our progress. Acuff elaborates on each one, explaining why they are misleading and how we can combat them.

Another challenge is that our aspirations often lack ambition. Why settle for writing one book when you could compose an entire series? Why prepare for a 10k when a marathon could be your goal?

Staying true to his style, Acuff’s writing is clear and maintains a friendly tone. One of my favorite anecdotes involves a chef who insists on using 80-year-old Scotch in a sauce, a requirement only he can appreciate. This insistence on using premium ingredients exemplifies perfectionism's detrimental influence.

The first six chapters provide practical steps for overcoming perfectionism. In Chapter Seven, Acuff introduces an unexpected ally: data collection. Tracking your progress is essential, as perfectionism despises measurable outcomes. For instance, while you may believe you haven’t written enough, the data might reveal that you managed to produce 500 words that day, effectively dismantling perfectionism's grip.

Pros:

Acuff outlines actionable strategies that are easy to follow. Personally, I abandoned my ambitious plan of writing a five-book series for now, allowing me to make significant strides on my cozy mystery. I now understand that it might not be the next bestseller, but my focus will be on completing it to the best of my ability.

Cons:

While Acuff emphasizes perfectionism as the primary enemy, I feel he may overlook other factors that contribute to our inability to achieve our goals, such as time constraints, financial limitations, and a lack of essential skills. Recognizing these elements is crucial, even though they don't diminish the book's value.

Key Takeaway:

For those like me, who find themselves with unfinished projects, the insights and techniques presented in "Finish" can help you break free from stagnation. Remember, the work still requires your effort. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on data tracking, a concept I had never considered before. Now, I monitor my daily word count diligently.

Make it a point to read this book!

Chapter 2: Embracing Action

In this informative video, Jon Acuff discusses how his book "Finish" can assist procrastinators in overcoming their obstacles. The insights shared will inspire you to take actionable steps toward completing your projects.