5 Ways to Build More Follow Through

If you are already great or may need some work with respect to your follow through skills. I define follow through as one’s ability to execute any given task within a designated time frame. For some of us, our level of follow through is directly connected to how much we desire doing a specific task. For others, and specifically for me, my level of follow through is directly related to the amount of anxiety I associate with any particular item on my to do list.

So, what does my anxiety related lack of follow though look like? It can look anything like waiting until the last minute to draft my monthly newsletter (for fear of writing a lame article) or delaying a creative project due rejection related anxiety. What I found over these last four weeks of quarantine is that it instead of resisting my anxiety, embracing it and orienting my day around the peaks and valleys of my energy levels allows me to better optimize my time.

After starting my day with a deep stretch and 10-minute guided meditation, I practice the following 5 Ways to Build More Follow Through throughout my day:

1. Observing Your Energy Level

   • The best way to observe the natural changes in your energy levels throughout the day is to spend one day with zero expectations. Monitor and write down what activities and tasks you complete during specific times of day without being forced or prompted to do so. You should also take into account any daily obligations that recur each day (things like feeding pets, family meals, quality time with loved ones, or work meetings from home). Utilizing a day to follow your mind and body’s natural cycle of interest and curiosity will help you create a productive work schedule that supports your natural desire to get things done.

2. Block Time

   • Use your observations to time-block your day. Time blocking is a common practice used by entrepreneurs, stay-at-home parents, and working people alike. This practice is a guided way of scheduling your daily tasks around the energy levels you observed above. If you are a morning person (like I am), schedule your workouts and work-related activities during the high points of your day. As your day dwindles down, taper away your tasks in a natural decline that matches your personal energy levels.

3. Designate a Shut Down Time

   • Schedule the best time to shut down progress for the day. This is particularly important for individuals who struggle to turn their brain off. At some point, the drive to accomplish things has to stops for the day. Create a specific night routine that allows you to wind-down and feel prepared for the next day. For me, I like to make sure my house is tidy (especially my kitchen) so that I can start the following day with ease in the morning. Remember that what works for you may not work for your friends, family, or even your partner. It will be important for you to try and strike a balance between your schedule and those you share space with.

4. Have Weekly Check Ins

   • Carve our time to check in on the progress in each area of your life throughout the week:

     • Health

     • Finance

     • Work or School

     • Personal Projects

     • Relationships

     • Future Plans

Take note of any areas that need more of your attention so that you can prioritize your days to come.

1. Accountability Buddy

   • It is so valuable to foster relationships with friends and colleagues who are interested in the same healing or productivity that you are currently seeking. Creating an accountability buddy to keep you on task can help in eliminating feelings of loneliness in your pursuits. Be sure to connect with others over social platforms and phone calls to aid you in keeping your promises to yourself and others.