50% is Better than Nothing
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Fifty Percent is a LOT better than Zero Percent
Last week, we discussed tomorrow and how tomorrow often turns into someday. I shared that sometimes the only way tomorrow to happen is to just do it. For me and many of the clients I work with, starting is hard because what if I don’t give it my all, or see results, or finish how I want to?
I had this conversation a lot this past semester with the students I work with. I tried to explain that getting a 50% is a lot better than getting a 0%.
The students will start the homework, but not turn it in because they didn't finish it.
Not to worry. They will finish it this week and then submit it.
But this week, there is new homework. The student never gets around to finishing the prior week's homework. Their homework just became a someday - or in many cases - a never project.
And by not submitting the homework, the student gets no credit, despite the homework being partially completed.
Getting Started
I realized how relevant this scenario is in so many situations.
We don't complete our Estate Docs because we are uncertain about one aspect of the Estate Planning.
However, it’s better to have some plan for your estate than no plan at all, right? Wouldn't it be better to complete the Estate Docs based on what we know and have decided? Then we can update them when we are clear on what we are unsure of.
We don't open a Roth IRA because we are not sure of where or how to best invest our money.
Wouldn't it be best open a Roth IRA and contribute the annual maximum into an S&P 500 Index Fund, until we have a clearer idea of how to invest our money? Guess what? Not investing means zero dollars. Investing in something means we’re ahead of the game, no matter where we decide to go next.
We don't make the doctors appointment, because we don't know the best doctor.
Wouldn't it be better to choose a doctor that someone recommends and then switch doctors in the future if you find someone better?
As Sheryl Sandberg said, "Done is better than perfect.
50% completed is a lot more than 0%.
50% is a great start to keep building on in the future!
Is there a project that you could easily finish at 50%?
How would you feel in a year if you completed this today?
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.