It happens to all of us. We are in the middle a task and before it’s completed, we get bored or distracted or simply run out of motivation and want to quit. Quitting is always an option and a choice. Unfortunately, there are a couple of pretty big consequences that often come with quitting.

The most obvious consequence is simply that the task doesn’t get done (with no sign of completion in sight). I have to admit, I have some unpainted baseboards in my basement that have been in that state for years. It bothers me each time I notice, but I still haven’t gone back to the task.

The other consequence is less obvious but perhaps more impactful. It can begin a dialogue of negative self-talk and a chipping away of self-confidence. “I never complete things”; “I’m lazy”; “I’m not motivated”; “There’s no point in starting a new project because I’ll just give up anyway”. This is not the language of a happy, fulfilled person.

Try the “Five Minutes More Rule” the next time that you are inclined to abandon a task or goal before it’s completed. Tell yourself that you will stick to the task for just 5 more minutes. Set a timer if that makes it easier to follow the rule. For that five minutes, commit to the task with as much energy and enthusiasm as you can, knowing that you can break from it in just 5 minutes. With a positive mental approach, the five minutes will not only by productive, but maybe even enjoyable.

When the five minutes are up, check your energy level. You might be surprised to find a new level of motivation to keep going with the task. If so, keep at it and get even closer to your completion target. If the motivation to carry on is not there, that’s fine. Give yourself credit for pushing yourself beyond what you were inclined to do. This builds confidence and may even spill over into other tasks. It will become easier and easier to get past the “quitting urge”.

So the next time you feel like giving up, try the five minute more rule and see what happens.

If you’re an action-driven woman but feeling like you’re spinning your wheels and lacking a sense of fulfillment and joy in your life, contact Patti at Explore Life Coaching  to arrange for a free exploratory coaching session.