Stop Interrupting Your Progress: Focus and Complete the Journey You Started!!!

Have you ever embarked on something with enthusiasm, only to abandon it for a new concept?

Many of us can relate. Fear, distractions, or the thrill of experimenting with something unfamiliar often disrupt our plans, and before we know it, the project we were so passionate about is left behind.

It took years for me to understand how much interrupted progress was holding me back. This is my story, the lessons I’ve learnt, and simple tips to help you stay focused and finish the journey you’ve initiated.

My path began with an interest in Python. My cousin explained the different career paths I could explore, and I selected data science. It seemed like the correct route, even though I couldn’t entirely explain why. But soon, doubt crept in. I saw others learning tech skills and creating tangible, impressive projects. My development in data science felt slow and less visible.

Feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, I embarked on learning Flutter and mobile app development, thinking I could create complete products. But I didn’t stop there. I also commenced exploring GIS, front-end development, and graphic design. I thought combining these skills with data science would set me apart. Instead, I found myself juggling too much. Eventually, I realised I was making little headway in anything. I felt overwhelmed and stuck.

That’s when I decided to stop jumping between skills and recommit to data science, aligning it with my passion for earth science to contribute to improving electricity access in Nigeria.

Anxiety was the main reason I kept interrupting my progress. I worried about financial challenges and dreaded choosing a path that would become outdated. I also battled with a continual desire to explore the newest trends, which made it challenging to commit to one course. This left me with basic knowledge in many areas but no real expertise. Over time, I realised these desires weren’t helping me. Interruptions and the desire to discover novel things aren’t always bad, but I’ve learnt that they must be managed carefully. They shouldn’t take you away from your objectives.

This path has taught me that concentration and consistency are far more valuable than striving to do everything. When you focus on one objective, you build confidence and enhance your abilities more quickly. Attempting to learn too many things at once can leave you feeling lost and unfulfilled. Now, I investigate fresh concepts only when they correspond with my goals or when I’ve achieved notable advancement.

Simple Tips to Stay on Track

• Understand Your Distractions: What pulls you away from your plans? Is it fear, impatience, or something emerging that excites you? Understanding this can help you manage it better.
• Set Clear Goals: Note down your objectives and divide them into manageable, attainable actions. This makes it easier to stay engaged and track your targets.
• Pause Fresh Ideas: When a fresh idea pops up, write it down for later. This way, you can revisit it without losing attention on your current pursuit.
• Celebrate Achievements: Reward yourself for small achievements along the way. This keeps you motivated and makes the process more enjoyable.
• Remember Why You Began: Reflect on your original purpose and remind yourself of why you began this journey. This will help you stay grounded when challenges arise.

Looking back, I wish I’d focused sooner. But every misstep has taught me something valuable. Now, I’m more intentional about my choices and the opportunities I pursue. Not every opportunity is the right fit for me, and I’d rather use my time to improve my skills in my chosen path than chase every opportunity I come across. I’m also more assured in my capacity to adhere to my aspirations. Staying on track doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being persistent. Concentrate on the course you’ve established, trust your choice, and finish what you began. The fulfilment of accomplishing your goal will far surpass the temporary thrill of pursuing new concepts.