“A project is complete when it starts working for you, rather than you working for it.” — Scott Allen

Throughout life, we are faced with many tasks, projects, and issues that require resolution. These can create areas of incompleteness for us that clutter our physical space and drain our mental energy, limiting our ability to fully take part in new experiences. Let’s delve into the concept of completion and explore how the effective implementation of its three stages can lead to a state of clarity.

1. The Ripple Effect of Actions

Many of our actions set off a chain reaction of responsibilities and tasks. Events such as getting married, starting a business, having children, or even securing a new job result in many duties and obligations. For instance, getting married comes with tasks such as planning the ceremony, adjusting to shared finances, and potentially relocating or merging households. Similarly, starting a new business creates responsibilities like registering the business, establishing a brand identity, creating a website, and managing business finances.

2. Incomplete Projects and Unresolved Matters

Incomplete projects and unresolved matters are common in our lives and can contribute to a sense of disorder and overwhelm. Whether it’s decluttering a storage area, fixing a car, or submitting an expense report, we all have tasks that linger in a state of incompleteness. We must consider whether our incompletions have a legitimate reason or if they are a result of a lack of organization.

Unresolved matters in relationships can weigh heavily on us. Whether it’s a disagreement with a loved one or an unresolved conflict at work, carrying these emotional burdens takes a toll on our well-being and connection to others. Thus, we must consider whether we have done all that we can to resolve them.

3. Fully Complete, Provisionally Complete, and Automatically Complete

To navigate the landscape of incompleteness, it’s essential to understand the three stages of completion: Fully Complete, Provisionally Complete, and Automatically Complete.

Fully Complete

Achieving full completion means that a task or project is 100% complete with no actions left to be completed. This stage brings a sense of closure and relief as the concern or responsibility ceases to exist.

Provisionally Complete

Provisional completion acknowledges that while some aspects of a project or issue can be addressed immediately, others may require scheduling to be completed later. By proactively scheduling future actions or follow-ups, we ensure that progress continues, even if full completion is not possible in the present moment.

Examples of projects that fall into this category include conducting a comprehensive home renovation that includes multiple steps, and planning and executing a long-term marketing campaign for a business.

Automatically Complete

With automatic completion, repetitive tasks are systematized and scheduled which reduces the need for ongoing manual management. By automating routine activities, we free up mental bandwidth and streamline our workflow.

Examples of tasks that can use automatic completion include setting up automated bill payments for recurring expenses and creating scheduled reminders for regular maintenance tasks like oil changes or equipment inspections.

Tips for Completion

Make a list of all your incompletions from areas of your life such as home, work, and relationships, and organize them into the three stages of completion. Consider what it would take to complete a task for good or to ensure it won’t recur for a long time. Also consider how a task may be systematized or automated if possible.

Embracing Completion for Enhanced Productivity and Peace of Mind

Understanding and embracing the stages of completion empowers us to tackle our tasks and projects with clarity, intentionality, and efficiency. By striving for full completion whenever possible, proactively scheduling actions for provisional completion, and automating repetitive tasks for automatic completion, we can cultivate a sense of productivity and peace of mind in our personal and professional lives. By implementing the stages of completion, one task at a time, we can reclaim control over our time and energy.

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