[bubbles00]

This has been going on for me yearrrssss. I would start something that I'm interested in and I would never finish it. Here are some of the examples:

1. Last year I decided to start drawing again. I started it and then I put it away incomplete. I haven't touched my sketchbook in over a year.

2. I wanted to start reading again so I started my book, got 60 pages in, and then never went back to it! I've done this for 2 books (and I don't read very much).

3. I wanted to start trying to record my calorie intake because I need to gain weight (I'm trying to eat more). I have tried this 2 or 3 times. It always ends and I'm nowhere near my desirable weight goal. I've been trying to gain weight for 5+ years now

4. I recently decided I wanted to learn Python (programming). I've been on the first chapter for months!

And that list is just part of it! I always leave the initiatives I start. How do I keep myself on track with what I start? I could never seem to finish what I start and always leave things incomplete

[Sunflower123]

I don't know how to advise you but I sympathize with and support you. You're not alone in this. There are many people who don't finish things. I hope you find resolution to this. Sending big hugs.

I think a big issue with "motivation" is that it will never always be there. Even humans without mental health issues will not be motivated 100% of the time. If we wait until motivation arrives, it may be a long while or perhaps never.

The people who succeed at sticking to hobbies and passions are those who work on them even when there is no motivation, when they would rather be doing anything else. Of course this is harder to do when you struggle with mental health problems. Depression and anxiety in particular can be huge energy zappers. Unfortunately that means people like us need to work even harder to stick with things.

If there is something you've been meaning to do, putting it in your schedule or even writing it on a "to do list" could help to solidify the commitment. You are certainly not alone in your struggle to stick with things.

[Shazerac]

Originally Posted by scaredandconfused

I think a big issue with "motivation" is that it will never always be there. Even humans without mental health issues will not be motivated 100% of the time. If we wait until motivation arrives, it may be a long while or perhaps never.

The people who succeed at sticking to hobbies and passions are those who work on them even when there is no motivation, when they would rather be doing anything else. Of course this is harder to do when you struggle with mental health problems. Depression and anxiety in particular can be huge energy zappers. Unfortunately that means people like us need to work even harder to stick with things.

If there is something you've been meaning to do, putting it in your schedule or even writing it on a "to do list" could help to solidify the commitment. You are certainly not alone in your struggle to stick with things.

Fabulous advice! Well said. I don't have anything to add.

[stewartmays1]

well i get you so i think just working on one thing at a time untill it sticks thats what im doing and its working

[Ray_808]

I can totally relate to you bubbles00! For many years I too can't seem to finish any decent sized endeavor. scaredandconfused is right about motivation not lasting, at least for me. Have you looked at the self help ideas and goal setting forum here on PC? People post some solid ideas there. I'm trying to work some of them into my projects and goals. Good luck, I’m rooting for you.

[Shazerac]

Well it turns out that after some thought, I do have something to add.

I've been taking art classes for a few years. I find it gives me structure because I don't feel motivated to go in my studio when I'm hanging around the house.

Sometimes I refer to this lack of motivation as "I'm just not in the mood." I've talked to my art teacher about this. She said that lack of motivation is a common theme with everyone. She advised me to come to class sit down, unpack my art bag, squeeze out my paints, lay out my brushes and start painting...even if I don't feel like doing it. Somehow this works for me. I didn't think it would.

[Patagonia]

Wow I feel this way on soooo many levels & can totally relate! God I wish I had an answer so I could help you...& myself.

Do do know that in my past, which I hate to reference because we're not our past, but my father was notorious for doing 90% of a job, then leaving it! My mother would get so angry & it would take months or yrs for it to get done.
Did I learn this? Maybe...

I do know if I look deeply, that I start things & don't finish them, especially big & very expensive endeavors bec I think I'm afraid of failure. So I don't finish things then tell myself I didn't fail. Very twisted.
I hate to fail. And I hate to look like a failure. So I stop trying.
It's really pathetic actually. And expensive!

[MayGH]

I can definitely relate! I start and quit things all the time. I hate it