# The Art of Finishing

![rw-book-cover](https://www.bytedrum.com/assets/art-of-finishing/og.png)

## Metadata
- Author: [[emmorts]]
- Full Title: The Art of Finishing
- Category: #articles
- URL: https://www.bytedrum.com/posts/art-of-finishing/
- Archive: https://web-archive.alecodes.page/bookmarks?bf=1&search=&title=The%20Art%20of%20Finishing
> [!tldr]
> The author discusses the challenge of finishing projects, highlighting the temptation to start new ones instead. They outline strategies to overcome procrastination, such as defining what "done" means and setting deadlines. Ultimately, the goal is to build the habit of completing projects to experience the satisfaction and growth that comes from finishing.

## Highlights
It’s the Hydra Project Effect: no matter how much progress I make, new challenges always seem to sprout in their place. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9rmxn4ng2c8zys41hfkqdq2))

When a project is ongoing, it can be anything. It’s Schrödinger’s[1](https://www.bytedrum.com/posts/art-of-finishing/#user-content-fn-schrodinger) project—simultaneously perfect and flawed until you actually finish it and put it out into the world. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9rn0cnw6xcrfv3236ekfy1k))

Before diving into a project, I’ll clearly define what “finished” looks like. What are the core features that constitute a complete project? I’ll write them down and resist the urge to expand this list as I go. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9tz2kvb3g5ytpbdkkjd88sy))

**Embrace MVP**: Instead of aiming for perfection, I’ll aim for “good enough.” I’ll get a basic version working and out into the world. I can always iterate and improve later. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9tz46f5mr2wf3d6nzn7hgq0))

**-Box My Projects**: I’ll give myself a deadline. It doesn’t have to be short, but it should be finite. Having an end date creates urgency and helps me prevent endless feature creep. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9tz4wxc2jhwk7npbhp9km0z))

I’ll build my “finishing muscle” by completing small projects or tasks regularly. I recognize that the skill of finishing is like any other—it improves with practice. This could be as simple as finishing a blog post or completing a small coding challenge each week. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9tz6d7dmmmnhpmcq5w97hgz))

When new features or project ideas pop up during implementation, I’ll jot them down for future consideration instead of immediately acting on them. This helps maintain focus on the current project while still capturing potentially valuable ideas. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9tz748wp0dznk73afv1chm7))

I’ll celebrate when I complete a project, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement can help shift my mindset towards completion. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9tz8xdbyvk47smjy3nkghqs))

External accountability adds motivation and support to the often solitary journey of personal projects.[3](https://www.bytedrum.com/posts/art-of-finishing/#user-content-fn-accountability-study) [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9tza1jjcf360gr4z6gaka63))

This phenomenon is closely related to [Parkinson’s Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson%27s_law#First_meaning), which states that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” In personal projects, the available time is often infinite, leading to endless expansion. [↩](https://www.bytedrum.com/posts/art-of-finishing/#user-content-fnref-parkinson-law) [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j9tzeefxcvyb8yx4499ndgev)) [[quotes]] 

