Charlie Gilkey – Start Finishing: Summary with Audio

Book Info

• Book name: Start Finishing
• Author: Charlie Gilkey
• Genre: Self-Help & Personal Development, Business & Economics
• Published Year: 2019
• Language: English

Audio Summary

Synopsis

In “Start Finishing,” Charlie Gilkey provides a comprehensive guide to turning ideas into completed projects. He addresses common challenges like procrastination, lack of focus, and competing priorities, offering practical strategies to overcome them. Gilkey introduces the concept of “best work” and teaches readers how to identify, plan, and execute projects that align with their unique skills and passions. With actionable advice on time management, goal setting, and maintaining momentum, this book empowers readers to bring their most meaningful ideas to fruition.

Key Takeaways

• Identify and prioritize your “best work” projects that align with your unique skills and passions
• Use the SMART goal framework to create clear, actionable project plans
• Develop a “success pack” of supporters and mentors to help you achieve your goals
• Implement effective time management strategies, including focus blocks and recovery periods
• Overcome common obstacles like competing priorities and project stagnation

My Summary

Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Best Work Projects

As I delved into Charlie Gilkey’s “Start Finishing,” I found myself nodding along with his insights on the importance of identifying and pursuing our “best work.” This concept resonated deeply with me, as I’ve often struggled to prioritize the projects that truly matter amidst the chaos of daily life.

Gilkey argues that our best work is found in the ideas that constantly nag at us – those persistent thoughts that we can’t seem to shake. By turning these ideas into concrete projects, we open the door to personal growth and fulfillment. This approach aligns with my own experiences as a writer; the stories and concepts that I couldn’t stop thinking about often became my most rewarding projects.

From Ideas to Action: The SMART Goal Framework

One of the most practical aspects of “Start Finishing” is Gilkey’s adaptation of the SMART goal framework. As someone who has often struggled with vague or overly ambitious goals, I found this approach refreshingly straightforward:

• Simple: Clear and easy to understand
• Meaningful: Aligns with your values and passions
• Actionable: Broken down into specific, doable steps
• Realistic: Achievable with your current resources and skills
• Trackable: Progress can be measured and monitored

By applying this framework to my own projects, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my ability to stay focused and make consistent progress. It’s a powerful tool for transforming abstract ideas into tangible outcomes.

Building Your Success Pack: The Power of Support

Gilkey’s concept of a “success pack” struck a chord with me. As an introvert, I’ve often underestimated the importance of having a support network. However, the author makes a compelling case for surrounding yourself with guides, peers, supporters, and beneficiaries who can contribute to your project’s success.

Reflecting on my own journey, I realized that some of my most successful projects were those where I actively sought out mentorship and collaboration. Gilkey’s advice to identify specific ways each person in your success pack can help is particularly valuable – it transforms vague notions of support into concrete actions.

Time Management: Making Space for What Matters

One of the most eye-opening sections of “Start Finishing” deals with time management. Gilkey challenges the common excuse of “not having enough time” by introducing a system of time blocks:

• Focus blocks: 1.5 to 2 hours of uninterrupted work on your project
• Admin blocks: 30 to 60 minutes for planning and administrative tasks
• Social blocks: Time for collaboration and connecting with your support network
• Recovery blocks: Dedicated time for rest and recharging

Implementing this system has been a game-changer for my productivity. By consciously allocating time for different types of work and rest, I’ve found a better balance and increased my overall output. The emphasis on recovery blocks, in particular, has helped me avoid burnout and maintain long-term momentum.

Overcoming Obstacles: Strategies for Staying on Track

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of “Start Finishing” is Gilkey’s honest approach to the challenges we face when pursuing our goals. He addresses common obstacles like competing priorities, project stagnation, and the dreaded “head trash” – those self-doubting thoughts that can derail our progress.

I particularly appreciated his advice on dealing with “frogs” – those unpleasant tasks we tend to procrastinate on. By tackling these tasks first thing in the morning, we can free up mental energy and build momentum for the rest of the day. This strategy has helped me overcome my tendency to put off difficult or tedious aspects of my projects.

The Importance of Reflection and Celebration

As someone who often rushes from one project to the next, I found Gilkey’s emphasis on proper project closure particularly insightful. He advocates for taking time to celebrate achievements, recover from the effort expended, and conduct an “after action review” to learn from the experience.

This approach has helped me develop a more sustainable creative practice. By consciously reflecting on what worked well and what could be improved, I’m better equipped to tackle future projects with increased efficiency and confidence.

Applying “Start Finishing” in the Modern World

In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, the principles outlined in “Start Finishing” are more relevant than ever. As we navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, the ability to focus on meaningful work and see projects through to completion is a valuable skill.

Gilkey’s strategies can be particularly helpful for:

• Entrepreneurs developing new business ideas
• Creative professionals managing multiple projects
• Students balancing academic work with personal goals
• Anyone seeking to turn their passion projects into reality

By applying the book’s principles, we can learn to prioritize our most important work, manage our time more effectively, and overcome the obstacles that often prevent us from achieving our goals.

Limitations and Considerations

While “Start Finishing” offers a wealth of practical advice, it’s important to recognize that no single approach works for everyone. Some readers may find certain strategies more applicable to their situations than others. Additionally, the book’s focus on individual productivity may not fully address the complexities of collaborative projects or organizational dynamics.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to other productivity books like David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” or Cal Newport’s “Deep Work,” “Start Finishing” offers a more holistic approach that emphasizes the emotional and psychological aspects of project completion. While Allen focuses on systems for organizing tasks and Newport emphasizes the importance of focused work, Gilkey provides a framework for identifying and pursuing truly meaningful projects.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As I reflect on my journey with “Start Finishing,” I’m struck by the transformative potential of Gilkey’s approach. By applying these principles, we can move beyond simply dreaming about our goals and take concrete steps towards achieving them.

I encourage you, dear reader, to consider: What idea has been nagging at you, waiting to be turned into a project? How might you apply the strategies from “Start Finishing” to bring that idea to life?

Let’s continue this conversation in the comments. Share your experiences with productivity challenges or success stories of completing meaningful projects. Together, we can inspire and support each other in doing our best work and making our ideas a reality.