Are you a 95% person? Do you have aspirations to do all sorts of things yet never actually complete any of them? Sound familiar?

I used to be like that. At any one time I would have half a dozen or more projects on the go. As soon as some of them were nearing completion I would then take on something else. So many things were left 95% done.

Looking back I am not sure whether I was afraid to complete things or I was just looking for more excitement. Maybe it was a combination of both.

There are so many people who do this. When you step back and look at what you have done you see lots of jobs and lots of projects "almost done" but nothing done to completion.

In many respects this is a form of sabotage. When nothing is fully complete the end result is the same as not having commenced anything. 95% of zero is still zero! (mathematically, 0.95 x 0 = 0).

One good method for seeing a project through to 100% completion is to set a target date for completion. You can then work backwards in measured increments to the point that you are at right now. The important thing is to write it down and put dates beside these points. From 95% you might even like to step forward in 1% increments just to emphasize the point to yourself.

To stay on track it is also wise not to have too many projects running simultaneously. I think that three is probably a good number if you are like me and need a variation. Any more than three is too much of a scramble.

Another way to ensure that you complete an important task is to tell your spouse or partner or a very close friend that by "X" date you will have "Y" finished. That brings in a credibility factor - somebody else knows the plan! You can add a bit more spice to this idea by telling that person of your intention to take them out to dinner on that date - but only if you are finished 100%. Try making an excuse to them for not getting your project finished. Good luck!

Yet another way is to make yourself a pledge. This is a variation of the target date that I mentioned before and can be used in conjunction with it. Here is how it works:

You write on a card "I (your name), pledge to myself that I will complete (insert project name) by (insert time) on (insert date). Then you read it every day until the target date is reached. It's a sort of affirmation to keep your mind tuned to the task. Would you break a promise to yourself? You might even add a reward for yourself upon completion.

You can use all of these methods to stop sabotaging your efforts to complete projects that are significant to you. Now, instead of being Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms 95% you can be Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms 100%.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.