How to Finish Everything You Start

by Jan Yager

Habits to Transform Your Life

How to Finish Everything You Start is just the book you need to get more done! This book will help you in understanding the causes of the “unfinished” epidemic, its cures, and when choosing not to finish something is okay. By focusing on this one key issue that is sabotaging so many today in their quest to be more productive at work, and to have a more satisfying personal life, you are more likely
• Understand what is behind your occasional or chronic reluctance to finish
• Apply the author’s unique FINISH systematic approach to get more done
• Complete priority projects or tasks
• Be more confident if you do put something aside it is for the right reasons
and lots more...

Jan Yager is the author of 46 books translated into 34 languages including seven titles on time management such as Work Less, Do More. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from The City University of New York Graduate Center. For more on this awardwinning author, speaker, entrepreneur, and coach, go

Genres: Productivity, Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Business, Psychology, Audiobook

ebook

About the author

Jan Yager received her BA in fine arts from Hofstra University, her MA in criminal justice from Goddard College, and her PhD in sociology from City University of New York Graduate Center. Beginning in her early twenties, with fulltime positions at Macmillan Publishing Company, followed by Grove Press, Jan has been an editor, director of subsidiary and foreign rights, acquisitions editor, book publicist, author event planner, media trainer, consultant, book coach, permissions editor, and award-winning author of 65+ books. Her titles in a range from genres -- from nonfiction and fiction to illustrated children's books and poetry -- have been published by Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Doubleday, Penguin Random House, Square One Publishers, and self-published through the small press she founded almost 30 years ago, Hannacroix Creek Books, Inc. (Her first five books were published under her maiden name of J.L. - Janet Lee- Barkas.) For more on Jan, go to: www.drjanyager.com, www.whenfriendshiphurts.com, or www.hannacroixcreekbooks.com

Reviews

[Vishnu Chevli · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter who you are, where you are and at which place/position you reached. There must be at least one thing in your mind or past which you had started or want to start which never happened or finished. Before reading this book I was mostly blaming situations/circumstances. I always thought "if that had not happened I would have achieved this" When I first saw this book, its title got my attention and I picked it up instantly. Maybe many of you have found cover dull or simple but I think it must have been kept that way intentionally.

The content design of the book is nice. The author has started with examples (classing ones) like publishing a book, exercising, new project, etc which is relevant to many of us. From that author takes us to 22 reasons why the thing is the way which prevents us from achieving what we started for. This chapter along with the next 3 chapters are sectioned together under "Cause" by the author where she has explained mental, physical and psychological aspects of various reasons. Once that is discussed she takes us towards the "Cure" section which starts with "F-I-N-I-S-H" approach.

She has also shared other good practices for better goal achievements. At the end of Cure section, she has given an example and step by step application of points discussion till that point in the book. The last section discusses things to ponder upon. Read the book to know more.

Good points about the book
1) Ample of relevant examples
2) Simple language usage.
3) Topics are divided into micro-categories for example 22 reasons
4) Proper space provided for the exercise
5) You can read it as a textbook as a self-help book or just an informative book
6) A catchy title and simple cover design

Those who think they are not getting enough time to finish their unfinished tasks must read this book. I am giving 4.5 stars out of 5 to this wonderful book.

Detailed Review Link - https://chevusread.blogspot.com/2019/...

[Juhi · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's nothing new or exceptional in this book. It basically keeps mentioning all the other books and paraphrasing them. I literally finished this book only to do some justice to the title. Wouldn't recommend it.

[Abhilash Ruhela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading non-fiction books are a game that I love playing whenever I get time. Though there is excitement in fiction books but the kind of refreshment a non-fiction book provides is amazing. It is because the way it connects with your own life. You don’t need to relate with any character as while reading a non-fiction, you can relate directly with yourself and your life. The book that I have finished reading just now is “How to Finish Everything You Start” written by the author of 46 other books- Jan Yager and published by my favorite non-fiction books’ publisher- Jaico.

The book comes with a tagline- “Habits to Transform your life”. The title of the book is what made me get in awe with it as it is something that all of us are concerned about with our routine. There are so many things that we start but are unable to finish and complete it due to multiple causes. Author has tried here to define all those prospective causes and provide the solution on how we don’t repeat the same mistakes and follow some basic rules to ensure that when we start something new next time, we don’t end up keeping it unfinished. Author has defined FINISH rule which focuses on prioritizing the tasks one by one, ignoring distractions etc. which is really practical and goal-oriented.

The best part about the book is the exercises and actions defined in the end of each chapter and in some cases, between the chapters. These are really something which makes you think upon yourself and the way you have been managing things until now. It regularly keeps striking you how we have not given importance to our multiple tasks with equal importance till now. Overall, the book is written with a very good intent where author has gone into as specific as possible that a chapter is completely dedicated for authors on how to complete a book.

Now, talking about the drawbacks, I felt author just couldn’t give a straight flowchart on how to provide tips and advises to the reader as several times there are references given of a chapter where the rest of the topic has been explained. This makes the reading experience difficult as reader keeps getting such interruptions though this issue in the book is for initial few chapters only. Secondly, I felt there are many more tips and tricks that author could have discussed as I believe whatever has been mentioned is already known to the readers; it’s just that author balanced it with those exercises at the end of the chapters which are definitely unique. Overall, this book is definitely a fine read if you have not read many self-help books as this shall really help with its easy language and short chapters. I give this 3.25* out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA

[Richa Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a good book if you require what the title says. I personally liked it very much. It solved some of my problems in every aspect. Must read if you want to manage what you want to do appropriately.

[Misha Bharti · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of THE MOST BORING book I've ever read!

And yet, I was able to finish it. So, I guess I didn't need it to begin with.

Even though I feel I don't need a certain self help book, I still sometimes go ahead and read it in the hope of getting some value out of it. may be a small problem I can relate with or even an insightful research at times. But, this one was severely disappointing.

[Shantanu Patnaik · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars actually. Would have been ironic if I hadn't finished it. Nothing new.

[Minesh Mehta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic of time management

Author had explained the way how onecan control and manage the individual time. Good list of 22 points and nicely covered the meanings of SMART,FINISH and so on

[Abutharique · Rating 4 out of 5]

My best book of 2023. 👍🏻🤝🏻

[Bob McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm an author that has had a hard time staying motivated enough to complete my second book. Dr. Jan Yager's book "How To Finish Everything You Start" has given me hope. The book lays out easy to follow steps, that guide you through the process of attaining your goal of finishing what you've started, not just how to fix the problems, but discussing why they exist and how to avoid them in the future.

The book tackled the nuances and causalities of overcoming procrastination, time management issues, and distractions that have unknowingly plagued me for years. This book is an outstanding tool for all of us who welcome suggestions on how to get more done by finishing what we've started and even when it's okay to not finish but for the right reasons".

[Shubham Singh Chauhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jan Yager’s How to Finish Everything You Start is a practical guide designed to help readers overcome procrastination and build the discipline needed to complete tasks. The book explores the psychological reasons behind why people struggle to finish projects and offers strategies like goal-setting, time management techniques, and habit formation. Yager’s writing is straightforward and motivational, with real-life examples that make the advice relatable. While some concepts may feel familiar to productivity enthusiasts, it’s a helpful resource for anyone looking to improve their follow-through.

[Murali M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Productivity in the contemporary age of technology is now limited by effective time management. Dr. Jan Yager, a distinguished sociologist and author with expertise in time management, has intricately formulated strategies for managing time in the modern work environment through this book.

The writer has thoroughly explored the factors hindering the completion of endeavors, whether they be projects, relationships, or personal commitments. Through the use of diverse exercises, worksheets, and acronyms, she has illuminated a pathway to triumph in accomplishing our unresolved tasks.

The book is carefully structured into various sections, each containing multiple chapters that systematically and comprehensively address the prevalent issue of incompleteness in our tech-driven era. In the opening chapter, the author provides an overview of the pervasive problem of unfinished tasks and offers a glimpse into the book's content. The author distinctly outlines 22 reasons for the failure to complete tasks, highlighting the significance of the 5 P's: Procrastination, Perfectionism, Pacing, Planning, and Petulance. Adding to the book's appeal are real-life examples and solutions provided by the author at the conclusion of each chapter, enhancing its practicality.

The book underscores the crucial role of pacing in distinguishing between a workaholic and a truly productive individual. Additionally, rather than condemning procrastination, the author encourages us to perceive it as informative. By understanding the underlying causes behind procrastination, the author suggests that we can uncover valuable insights that will ultimately guide us toward effective solutions.

A key strategy emphasized by the author for completing tasks is the reconsideration of deadlines. The author stresses that establishing realistic deadlines provides greater control over the outcome of an activity, proving to be an effective tool for achieving successful completion.

In the book's second section, the author explores the pragmatic aspects of problem-solving. Acronyms like SMARTER goals and prioritizing ACTION serve as practical tools for readers to implement these concepts in their daily lives. Additionally, the book underscores the significance of assertively saying no when necessary and the importance of delegation. The author consistently inspires readers to leverage emerging technologies for effective delegation and time management.

While the book may seem geared towards individuals in the corporate sector, its use of acronyms, exercises, and to-do lists makes it applicable to a broader audience. Certain concepts and ideologies may reappear in subsequent chapters, yet the clear language, well-defined concepts, and activities at the end of each chapter ensure that the reader, regardless of background, remains engaged throughout the book.

"How to Finish Everything You Start" is a well-crafted book offering insights into time management and the cultivation of disciplined focus. The practical concepts presented are applicable and beneficial not only for students and corporate managers but also for homemakers. Implementing these ideas in everyday life holds the potential for increased productivity across various spheres.

[LibroReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre - Non-Fiction (Self-Help/Business)
No. Of pages - 200
Rating - 3.5/5
How many times have you started something, maybe out of motivation or because of some pressure but failed to finish it? Often, starting something is the tough part. You may overthink your abilities, need the ‘perfect’ everything or are just procrastinating because you’re lazy. At other times, finishing a task is the tougher part. You may have started because you watched a motivational video last night but getting on with the tasks consistently becomes a nightmare. If you are facing anything like this, this book is just the book for you.
How To Finish Everything You Start is one of the 46 books Jan Yager has written in her entire life. It is a self-help that teaches you ‘How To Finish Everything You Start’ with the special F.I.N.I.S.H. approach and a lot of thought provoking exercises. It first analyses all the possible causes of why you are not being your productive self, then tells you how you can cure them.
The title of the book is clearly appropriate for the content of the book and the cover is subtle yet attractive. Anybody would love to have this prettiness in their bookshelf. But hold on, see if the language and content match your needs!
The language is pretty easy. You can read along without a lot of breaks and everything has been broken down to the smallest pieces for best level of understanding. The writing style is very to-the-point and doesn’t waver here and there. It genuinely talks about the topic only. The exercises are meant for self-evaluation and makes you think of what you have been doing, what the reasons have been and how you can cure the causes yourself. However, the biggest negative point of the entire book is the repetition of a lot of content and making 5 pointers out of a topic that can be ended in 2 pointers.
The content is structured in a way to ask you questions in the end which leaves you re-thinking about how the content written in the book are related to your current situation. Yes, the content is very much elongated and there is a lot of clutter but the author goes to the depth of the problem instead of just mentioning the common issues. She works on the ‘WHY’ more than the ‘WHAT’ which is super amazing a very different from other self help books.
I enjoyed the book majorly due the exercises. Fortunately, there are a lot of exercises so it kept me hooked to the book. I examined myself so much while doing them and found out so much about how much better I can be. I was slightly bored during reading the content only and only because of the elongation but that can be totally ignored given the other benefits I reaped. Therefore, I do recommend this book to people who are tired of procrastination and really want to finish what they have started.

[dunkdaft · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfinished books, tv series, house projects, office projects, personal projects and what not. We all have those piles of unfinished things everywhere around us. Some, not so important and some, are so important that would lead us to further consequences at work and home. So, there needs to be a discipline to finish everything you start. But how?


There, Jan Yager comes with a book aptly named that - How to Finish Everything You Start. Well, to be frank I am not someone who swear by such books (self-help, self-improvement) and having read only 3 books as far as I can remember, I was a bit apprehensive to read it. But then, the subject itself is so clear and that, made me start it. And well, it has been enriching experience as I finished it (technically, because such books need to be referred again and again). Applying FINISH approach to any stage any project of your life, you can not only finish your task but finish it so effectively, you can further expand your horizons and be ready for more such challenges. This, the author has put in nicely with a good amount of exercises and worksheet thrown in every now and then.


What I liked the most about the book is those worksheets, yes. You can immediately refer to them as and when required and you can know instantly where to focus, where you are lacking confidence and where the things are going wrong. At just 244 pages, (that too, a rich bibliography in last few pages) this book is breeze to read and apply to your real life. Even, as a team leader at your workplace, you can transfer this knowledge to your sub-ordinates as well. As it is said in local Indian saying, that knowledge increases when you share it. Absolutely. Do go for it, and see how it makes you more effective in anything you do.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was honestly disappointed. This book was so highly recommended, and I expected it to be enlightening, but it ended up feeling bland. Sure, I applied some of its advice—like prioritizing projects and tasks—but overall, there wasn't much to take away.

What really annoyed me was how the author plugged her other books in almost every chapter. Like, I get it, you’ve written more, but if I wanted to read them, I’d just look up your name. No need for constant reminders.

The practical exercises at the end of each chapter were a fresh idea, but honestly, I don’t think they’re very useful. I doubt most people would write directly in the book. Sure, you could jot them down elsewhere to use later, but wouldn’t it make more sense to have them as reusable templates instead of filling up spaces in the book that can’t be used again?

And the length—way too much filler for the amount of actual learning it provided. There was so much unnecessary storytelling and personal reflection when all I wanted was clear, straightforward insights.

Bottom line: I don’t think this book is worth your time. There are better books out there that teach the same things without all the fluff.

[Sanjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good insights, but it felt repetitive.

Chapter 1 -> Taught me that Not just finishing but even starting something or restarting something is a problem.
Chapter 2 -> A list of 22 behaviors/beliefs/bad habits that stop us from finishing.
Chapter 3 -> Taught me the ability to prioritize if there are too many things on the list and follow through them first and then move on to the next.
Chapter 4 -> Made me think about why I am procrastinating and how I could turn it into actions.
Chapter 5 -> Made me recognize that I like to have deadlines and if I choose to I can finish something because of the deadline. To use it to my advantage.
Chapter 6 -> Finding the hidden time and utilizing it. FINISH Acronym.
Chapter 7 -> Setting long term and short goals and prioritizing. SMARTER and ACTION Acronyms.
Chapter 8 -> To-do lists, either chronologically or by importance.
Chapter 9 -> Learn to say "No".
Chapter 10 -> Delegating Tasks.
Chapter 11 -> Example of How to Finish Writing your book.
Chapter 12 -> When failing to finish is a good thing.

[Nawin · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Why we don’t finish things

Starting too many projects at once

Perfectionism and fear of failure (or even fear of success)

Lack of focus, poor planning, and constant distractions

2. The F-I-N-I-S-H Model

A step-by-step framework to complete tasks:

F – Focus on one priority

I – Ignore distractions

N – Now is the time (start immediately, don’t delay)

I – Initiate & Innovate to keep momentum

S – Stay the course (persevere until the end)

H – Hail finishing (celebrate and reinforce success)

3. Practical Strategies

Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound)

Break large projects into smaller, manageable steps

Use prioritization techniques (Eisenhower Matrix, 80/20 rule)

Time-block your day and reduce multitasking

Reward yourself when you hit milestones

4. Reflection & Mindset

Not everything needs to be finished → learn when to quit strategically

Leverage the Hemingway Effect (unfinished tasks can create a natural pull to return and complete them)

Evaluate your commitments: does this project still align with your goals and values?

[Wanderingg__soul · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many times we leave things unfinished: books, tasks, series, projects, etc. I often tend to lose my interest and motivation somewhere in between and struggle to finish what I started. This book has really practical guidelines to this problem.

The tagline of the book is something that pulled me towards it 'Habits to Transform your Life.'

The book has 3 parts: Causes, Cures, Further thoughts and Conclusion. The author has helped us analyse this problem of leaving tasks unfinished, step by step and given a practical and systematic approach to get more done. There are exercises and worksheets in the book which will help you prioritise your tasks and avoid distractions in order to accomplish them.

The writing style is very nice. The language is very easy.

Definitely pick it up, if you want to be more efficient in what you do and want to understand why you tend to leave things unfinished.

[Jaden Homan · Rating 1 out of 5]

While it has some thoughtful insights into the psychology of procrastination and incompletion, it is hard to get over many difficult to read sentences in this book. Here is an example (page 49): “Although some may find they can still get a lot done even if they work on this a little bit, and that a little bit, moving each project along, even if you do that, there is a rhythm to that plan so that it is actually more consistent than it sounds.” I don’t hold myself above editors in terms of grammar, but the message of the book is certainly hindered by frequent word-jumble such as this.

I’m coming back to this review later because I truly can’t express enough how little I got out of this book. The only reason I finished it is to not give any validation to the author’s claims. I think any person could have written the same messages without any research. All I have to say about this book that it is not profound and is only marketable because the reader does not want to contribute to the population of non-finishers the author creates. Little does the author know, they are increasing the size of that population when readers pick up their book expecting something helpful and never make it past the first chapter…

[Bob McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an author that has had a hard time staying motivated enough to complete my second book. Dr. Jan Yager's book "How To Finish Everything You Start" has given me hope. The book lays out easy to follow steps, that guide you through the process of attaining your goal of finishing what you've started, not just how to fix the problems, but discussing why they exist and how to avoid them in the future.

The book tackled the nuances and causalities of overcoming procrastination, time management issues, and distractions that have unknowingly plagued me for years. This book is an outstanding tool for all of us who welcome suggestions on how to get more done by finishing what we've started, and even when it's okay to not finish but for the right reasons!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished "How to Finish Everything You Start," and I must say, it was a fantastic read. While I've explored many books on time management before, this one stands out as particularly beneficial. What I appreciated most was the practical approach; the author encourages you to apply the concepts as you read, which makes the lessons feel more immediate and relevant.

By the end of the book, I gained a deeper understanding of my own time management habits and learned effective strategies to complete tasks I’ve started. The language used throughout the book is simple and accessible, making it easy to read even for those who may not be fluent in English.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their productivity and finish what they start!

[Shivaraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made my day

Struggling with time and goal setting management's, this book gave me a good insight in time management's, few things I was already using it, I had keynote pad on my desk, listing the important things to handle today and struckking it out after completing it was my old way of doing, but goal setting was made me put in crossroads, this book gave me very good insight especially differentiating personal and professional goals, I used to mix both of them, which put in crossroads, now it is very clear.

Very great book on time management.
Thank you author 🙏 ❤️

[Gautam Dongre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformative and Actionable

‘How to Finish Everything You Start’ is an absolute game-changer! From the very first page, it's like having a personal coach guiding you through the journey of completion. With practical tips, actionable steps, and real-life examples, this book equips you with the mindset and strategies to conquer procrastination and see your projects through to the end. It's not just about starting strong, but about finishing stronger. Prepare to unleash your productivity and achieve your goals like never before!

[Sascha Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very generic, somewhat repetitive guide to time management and tips for overcoming procrastination. Whilst the techniques are practical and applicable to most instances of unfinished tasks, the book drew out certain topics that could have been covered in one paragraph to several pages, and skimmed and over simplified others. The book would perhaps suit a reader who has never explored the subject previously, but for anyone who has, it will feel monotonous and - ironically - they will likely struggle to finish.

[JigHardy · Rating 2 out of 5]

You could probably get just as much information as this book offers by asking your Mom how to finish things. All it does is mention basic life skills like "build good habits", "remove distractions", "prioritize and delegate" and doesn't add anything new that's not a basic skill. In fact, it feels like half of the book is paraphrasing things the author read in other books, or talking about how challenging it was to write this one. The only reason I finished this book is because I wouldn't be able to handle the irony of giving it up.

[Anmol Pandey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great read

"How to Finish Everything you start" is like a gem-chisel! This enlightening book not only hints at the reasons behind our struggles with unfinished tasks; it aligns us with a powerful system, FINISH, to conquer procrastination and enhance productivity. Yager's perspective enables readers to understand their unwillingness to complete tasks, prioritize effectively, and confidently decide when not to finish a task.

[Julienne Sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Finish Everything you start is like a gem-chisel! This enlightening book not only hints at the reasons behind our struggles with unfinished tasks; it aligns us with a powerful system, FINISH, to conquer procrastination and enhance productivity. Yager's perspective enables readers to understand their unwillingness to complete tasks, prioritize effectively, and confidently decide when not to finish a task.

[Lang Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Finish Everything you start is like a gem-chisel! This enlightening book not only hints at the reasons behind our struggles with unfinished tasks; it aligns us with a powerful system, FINISH, to conquer procrastination and enhance productivity. Yager's perspective enables readers to understand their unwillingness to complete tasks, prioritize effectively, and confidently decide when not to finish a task.

[Subhas Kar · Rating 1 out of 5]

When you extend an article to make a complete book, you tend to write apendix in every chapter like the writer of this book did. It is a book to finish the things that started and I could not even finish it till halfway and had to drop it due to its being the worst generic book that I may have ever read. Then again, if you prefer reading appendix and not the content itself, this book might be for you.

[Shivansh Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good book but not very good just above average. The book mainly focuses on how to manage by focusing on some tasks and making effective to-do lists, but you might find it boring after some time it was the first book I ever finished it tells how to manage multiple tasks in our list etc. There were many exercises inside this book which made the book interactive and many fun methods to push ourselves to finish.

[Vijay Anand Tripathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goods:
Practical tips for improving focus and productivity.
Step-by-step strategies to overcome procrastination.
Real-life examples that are relatable and easy to understand.

Not-so Goods:
Some advice may feel repetitive or common knowledge.
A few sections could use more depth and detailed explanations.

Expectations:
Readers can expect actionable techniques to help complete projects and achieve goals.
The book provides a motivational boost and practical tools to enhance productivity.
Best suited for individuals struggling with finishing tasks and seeking structured guidance.