If you have set goals for 2025, it can be helpful to craft your actions and habits to your working style. Understanding your motivators means you can make the most of what you are naturally good at and put in place some contingencies for when you reach the part of the goal you find more challenging.

Maybe you thrive at starting things (and perhaps get bored, feels too hard, or attracted to the next exciting thing). Some people like the process of things, the researching, planning etc and then struggle to finish. Or you may prefer to finish things (just slap it together, get it done and move on).   

So, are you starter, a maintainer or a finisher?

A starter will have multiple projects on the go and  great at starting but not so great on finishing.   They tend to have the ‘shiny object’ syndrome.  When they start something, it is new and exciting and can become bored with it when something ‘better’ comes along.   Or sometimes they get bored and then entertain distractions so they don’t have to do it. 

A maintainer is good at maintenance, a bit like a mechanic that tinkers away.   There is always something to explore, add, change and too much maintenance means they don’t finish.  Perfectionists can fall into the maintenance area.   Maintainers enjoy the journey and can sometimes mourn when something is completed – hence they delay the ending.   Or sometimes they feel anxious about finishing something they feel is not complete.  

A finisher has a strong impulse to finish what they start.   Sometimes then and there.  Sometimes up burning the midnight oil to get it done.   And sometimes completing it fast….with mistakes.  “Just get it done” is their mantra.  On the other end of the scale, they may even procrastinate so when end time is approaching they smash through it with their back up against the wall. Their focus is not so much on the journey, as on the destination.

Procrastination can come at any stage and for different reasons. A starter will procrastinate on the ‘boring’ stuff.  A maintainer will procrastinate on possibly starting in the first place, and most definitely on completing. Sometimes it can feel sad to finish a project so a maintainer might delay experiencing the completion. A finisher can also procrastinate on starting and/or maintaining because they may not have the structure and patience to ‘get it right first time’.

You might recognise yourself in one of these three scenarios and be wondering what you can do about it.  Or perhaps you already have a team of people you delegate to that has the starter, maintainer or finisher skills you lack. Or maybe your ‘significant other’ partners with you well in this area.

But let’s be honest with some tough love.   There are some goals only you can do.   Those goals that no one else can do the work for you.   You know the ones.  Yeah those.The good news is there are some specific steps you can take to bolster the behaviours that will get you the results you need.

If You’re a Starter

Starters are often fueled by initial bursts of excitement and motivation, but sustaining that energy can be challenging. Here’s how to maintain momentum and see your goals through:

1. Focus on Sustaining Momentum:
   Motivation gets you started, but it’s consistency that keeps the fire burning. Think of your motivation as a fire—start with the right kindling (small wins), add the right logs (key resources and strategies), and stack them properly (a clear plan).
2. Use Support and Structures:
   Create systems that support your progress and help you stay accountable. This could mean regular check-ins, delegating tasks, or setting milestones. Regularly evaluate how things feel, look, and progress. Adjust as needed.
3. Leverage Tools for Consistency:
   Use practical tools such as a habit tracker to make your progress visible, maintain accountability, and inject fun into repetitive tasks. For example, reward yourself for hitting milestones or mix up your routine to keep things engaging.
4. Anticipate Challenges and Prepare:
   Maintenance can feel tedious. Acknowledge this upfront and plan specific ways to keep yourself motivated during the “boring parts.” Having a clear vision and small, consistent habits will help you stay on track.

If You’re a Maintainer

Maintainers excel at keeping things running, but the challenge often lies in finishing and stepping beyond perfectionism. Here’s how to bring your goals to completion:

1. Focus on Completion Over Perfection:
   Perfectionism can slow you down. Be mindful of spending too much time refining or learning when you should be wrapping up. Set clear deadlines and stick to them.
2. Celebrate Your Achievements:
   Acknowledge your wins as they come. Keep your end goal in sight and attach meaningful rewards to completion. This keeps the process fulfilling and motivates you to keep going.
3. Shift Your Mindset About Endings:
   Letting go can be hard. Finishing a project isn’t an end—it’s the beginning of new opportunities. Celebrate the completion, reflect on the journey, and embrace the next steps.
4. Avoid Overthinking:
   Don’t let the desire for “just a bit more improvement” hold you back. Define what “done” looks like early on, and when you reach that point, move forward confidently.

If You’re a Finisher

Finishers are great at closing out tasks but may struggle with starting or maintaining momentum. Here’s how to tackle those challenges:

1. Just Start:
   Overthinking can lead to delays. Begin anywhere—starting imperfectly is better than not starting at all.
2. Build Patience for the Process:
   Progress takes time. Focus on maintaining consistency and doing the necessary groundwork, even if it feels slow or repetitive.
3. Create Robust Support Systems:
   Avoid rushing into things. Invest time in research, planning, and setting up structures to ensure your projects are sustainable and not short-lived.
4. Balance Execution and Quality:
   Watch for any tendencies to “rush and finish.” Take time to assess the quality and long-term impact of your work. Building a solid foundation ensures lasting success.  Recognise and celebrate how you complete or finish each component.

Leaders, identify which category resonates most with you and implement these strategies to play to your strengths while addressing your challenges. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.