August 16, 2016

Finish What You Start

Hey guys,

Sometime last year I was home alone scrolling through the cable channels and I saw a show called POP Innovators on E! The episode featured Lauren Conrad, who used to be on Laguna Beach, and then The Hills. I follow her website on Bloglovin, and I think that she is very inspiring to women. She's a hard worker, barely 30 years old and has achieved so much in her life - multiple fashion lines, bestselling books, philanthropic causes, and a lot more.

While I watched, I started thinking about my own life. There are quite a few things that I have found interest in, started and halfway through, just stopped (except for blogging, which seems to have staying power in my life). I know that I am creative, but for whatever reason, I falter early. I don't know if it's from a lack of passion, or fear of failure, or a poor work ethic in those fields, or a combination of different things.

For instance, did you guys know that I used to make jewelry? This was before I moved to Nigeria. The first pieces I made were from self-learning. I bought a book and started making a few things for my friends and I. I also learned more beading techniques during my NYSC year as part of my Community Development Service. People who saw what I made said they were very nice and told me to take it seriously because they were sure it had the potential to be a viable business.

Warning - the photo quality is terrible! :)











But either I wasn't ready/willing to put in the work, or I lost interest, or I was afraid to actually do it - whatever it was, I dropped it. I do wonder how far I would have gone by now if I had stuck with it though.

Do you have any projects that you started at any point in life and dropped for one reason or another? Or can you share advice on sticking with such projects? Let's share and learn in the comments.

27 comments:

  1. They all loook soo good Berry!!
    I used to make beads too and knit bags and caps lol. My aunts bought my beaded items and I would wear them to church. Way back then
    I'm not sure why I stopped though

    Cassie Daves Blog
    4 Reasons your blog's traffic isn't growing

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    1. Thanks Cassie! It looks like you guys are very handy in your family - can't wait to get my sandals from your sister. Hehe @ stopping. Probably the same reason why I stopped.

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  2. Awww, nice, I had no idea you were once a bead maker. There are a few projects I started but had to put on hold because the time isn't right for me to execute them excellently. Yesterday, someone called me multi purpose, at first i was a bit taken aback but as I've thought about it more, I start to see the truth in his words. There are soooo many things I want to be, so many sides of me I want to explore but it isn't possible to use ALL my gifts at the same time. I think everyone goes through different seasons in life and some projects are best suited for certain seasons.

    www.tukesquest.com

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    1. Hmmm... not the right time to execute EXCELLENTLY. I'm kinda double-minded on that point. On one hand, I say JUST DO IT even if it's not excellent - with time and more practice, you'll get there. But on the other hand, I can totally understand wanting things to be perfect before going ahead. It's one of life's sticky points.

      I do agree that it may not be best to do everything at the same time. There's that saying, "Jack of All Trades, Master of None." I guess it's better to focus on one or two things (three may be pushing it)

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    2. For obvious reasons, I found this post very interesting. :-)


      I read through the comment section and had to come back to this one, both you and Tuke raised valid points.

      There are times when one's readiness for a particular "ministry" is not yet ripe, so they need to go into hibernation to sharpen their skills, and there are other instances when one must do it afraid, regardless of their skills, learning as they go along.

      One thing that I've learned is that one gets a sense of fulfillment when they use the skills or talents that they are blessed with.

      I do hope you'll revive your bead-making hobby, you are good at it.

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    3. Thank you very much Nedoux. I thought you'd like this post - being Miss DIY and all.

      My mum said I should make some pieces for her, so who knows - I might just get back into it.

      Thanks for reading!

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  3. Hhahahahaa. There was indeed a time lots of people were into making jewellery. But you should have kept on with it, and you had some good designs!
    www.KacheeTee.com

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    1. Yes, it does look so, doesn't it? I might pick it back up at some point. Thanks!

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  4. Wow, these are really unique pieces. You can still restart even if for family and friends. You would have really gone far. But it is not over untill it is over. Get back to it in your spare time. Best wishes

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    1. Thank you very much. These days, my spare time is so little that I wonder if I will be able to devote any time to it. It can be time-consuming - especially using the little beads, which are my preferred ones to design. I'll see about it sha.

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  5. Hi Berry,

    Your jewelry pieces are so beautiful!
    I've started quite a few things I didn't finish too mostly because my circumstances changed.
    I think setting a goal helps you stay to the end. When I look at my goals and the prize ahead, they motivate me to keep working.
    There's nothing like conceiving an idea and actually seeing it through till the end. So fulfilling!

    PreciousCore.com

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    1. Hey Precious! You're very right about setting goals, and keeping them in mind (AND IN SIGHT) for motivation to complete them. I didn't have a goal with the beading - I was just making the jewelry.

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  6. These are beautiful pieces!
    And I can totally relate.
    Putting myself behind my projects and not telling many people what I'm up to has helped me see many projects to completion.

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    1. Thanks Olakunmi. That's a different strategy right there! I would usually put my projects out there so that there's some accountability from different corners.

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  7. Those are such beautiful beads! I gave up on many interests too soon, but looking at your beads, I think I may pick up my knitting pins again, hopefully, I’ll complete an actual project, this time.
    Damiloves

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    1. Thank you Dami. Oooh, you used to knit? My grandmum taught us to knit and also crochet when we were kids. Unfortunately, she didn't teach us how to finish the scarves we started, so I would get to what I thought should be the end, unravel the whole thing and start again!

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  8. They look very good Berry!! But yeah I understand, I stopped doing some things but when I think about it, I think I was just scared that it won't be as great as I want. Right now though, I am really trying to follow through with things i start.

    www.receptacleofwisdomblog.wordpress.com

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    1. That's a fear that perfectionists have, I think. But I think it's important to remember that there can and will always be room for improvement. So just keep trying and with each time you do it, you'll be better and closer to what you see as great.

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  9. Tuke said it but I'll say it again: seasons (and yes! its painful but true..ts the bane of 'creatives'). On Monday as I conversed with a friend about so many things (including all the things I'm supposed to and will do), I feel God made me realise that 'some things are for a season'. There'll be businesses that we will start and it will actually end as they've fulfilled purpose (so we didn't fail...although thats not what you were saying with this post). I like to keep at everything at once, which of course doesn't happen for various reasons but its ok for a season of say 'designing posters' to end. Its a skill I had and I still do...maybe one day it'll be necessary to pick up and do again. Same goes for your beadmaking...perhaps you did finish what you started.
    Jesus joy :)

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    1. Can a comment slay?! Because if it's possible, then your comment just slayed!

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  10. I don't really remember what creative projects i'd started and stopped halfway but am currently learning a 2weeks vocational trainning on handmade fashion purse for ladies and Cakes.
    I just started yesterday but i've got this weird voice in my head who made it seems as if am not going to continue building these things even if i knew it. Am trying to overcome it though.
    - Didn't know you can make beads, i hope you can still do it now?

    3 importance of stretching exercises for bloggers/writers

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  11. I agree with precious.Setting a goal helps you see it through especially if a reward is attached it.The styles are lovely.

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  12. Happens to me a lot -or used to
    I find that timing is key in whatever project am embarking on. And I try to be really disciplined.
    BTW the beads are really nice.you can put them up on etsy.com

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  13. They are really beautiful. I have had such moments when I try things out and I just stop because of fear.

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  14. I can totally relate to this! I feel like I know how to do so many things (hat making, bead making, ankara bags & jewelry, hair making etc) but only Blogging has stuck with me, recently though I made a big step by utilizing one of my talents which is selling to open a thrift store on Instagram. Sometimes I think it's the fear of failure, at other times I feel like if there is nothing about my own that would stand out then why bother to continue? Your beads were really outstanding and I hope you think about starting again. Above all, I just pray to God for guidance now so I can do the right things.
    wumituase.wordpress.com

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  15. We all have been there, having goals and aspirations but never pursuing them because of excuses, procrastination and fear. I'm glad I've been able to look in the mirror and tell myself lately 'try, even if you fail, you tried.' Please always believe in yourself.

    herishExpress

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  16. GEEZER! I thought I was alone on this. Berry, you won't believe it but I've ventured into different projects at different times but I don't seem to get through with them nor stick with them. And I realised I always broadcast myself. I sha stopped everything thing the day someone asked me and I quote "Oma, what do you really want to do in life?" Was I shattered by that statement/question? You bet! Right now am just at a standstill trying to figure out what I want to do first cos trust me when I say I want to do all. One step at a time, they say. Let's pray I don't falter altogether.
    Phewww...long epistle.
    How are you doing Berry?

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I'd love to hear from you about this post! Let's all learn and share our worlds.