WHAT IS YOUR CATALYST TO FINISH?
People have asked over and over how I have completed something like ‘book writing.’ I don’t know how to answer the question because—believe it or not—I also do not know! At times it was just happening. Something along the lines of outer body experience or tapping into pure energy—the whole energy thing is annoying, I know, but oh so true.
Many of these passionate, creative individuals who have asked me about my book journey have expressed that they cannot seem to finish anything. They have shared how their film scripts start with dynamic, complex characters with a story that would break open the box office; some have shared how they’ve always desired to start a restaurant and have the money to do so; some have smartphone apps that would appeal to millions, but then all of a sudden, their motivation deflates. They start a new idea and motivation for that idea deflates. All of a sudden, it’s been three decades of ideas intended to be experienced by others stuck in a cardboard box.
Looking back on my book experience, I tried to narrow down what worked for me.
I once read a quote that said, “there are people way less qualified living the life you dream of simply because they finished something.” That sounds agreeable AF. All we have to do is finish?? How does one leverage their ability to finish into tangible personal achievement?
The question to ask may be: What is your catalyst to finish? What is your catalyst for change in your day-to-day life or even in the world? What is your “why” and is the energy of your “why” strong enough to push you through to the finish line when your legs are mangled, bloodied and bruised and only your arms can support you? And then—when your arms snap from the heavy load on your back, are you willing to bite into the pavement to finish?
For me having completed this book, when I reflect—I had two huge catalysts for change in my life:
1) Coping with the loss of my dad—essentially believing that creating a “book” would somehow give his memory life in a different, more permanent, meaningful form. I know that my catalyst is a huge motivating factor that some may not have experienced or be able to relate to yet! But the idea of keeping him alive somehow was a source of endless energy. The emotional attachment to my father was the main catalyst for the completion of this book.
2) Additional source of income. I have always envisioned my life being wholly or partially entrepreneurial. The idea of building a life from something that I have created is enticing just like it may be to you! The opportunity to establish some sort of stream of income, and maybe even a platform to talk about issues I care about, was a huge driver.
If you think about it, the world around us was built by people who had their own catalyst for change moments. It’s super apparent in technology, but doesn’t it go back to the light bulb, the automobile and the wheel? Every aspect of our lives was built by someone who sought change. And because of their internal drive, the quality of our life has increased. The words I’m generating for you as you follow this sentence is made solely possible by Mr. Steve Jobs. The world knows Mr. Jobs’ why—his how—everything.
Identifying the why may reveal your ability to finish a personal project. Or, at least illuminate the hurdles you need to overcome to fall into better alignment with your intention.
Here’s a few fun examples to consider:
I want to bike across America before I’m sixty years old because _______.
I want to start a non-profit to support the homeless population because _______.
I want to clean out my garage because ______.
I want to record an album because _______.
What is your catalyst to finish? Let’s start by posing the question to reveal the intention and remembering that the human spirit cannot be tamed.