Let’s talk about something that can make or break not only your productivity but also your peace of mind—incompletions. These unfinished tasks and promises are the silent culprits behind stress, self-sabotage, and that nagging feeling of overwhelm. Decluttering your design business is the first step to tackling these issues and creating the mental space you need to thrive.
Episode Highlights
- 00:45 Incompletions drain energy and create stress.
- 03:10 Categorize your incompletions to make them manageable.
- 06:45 Digital and physical clutter are major sources of incompletions.
- 10:30 Completing tasks frees up mental energy and boosts confidence.
- 13:15 Break long projects into smaller milestones to avoid getting stuck.
I’m speaking from experience here. Incompletions pile up like mental dust catchers, creating open loops in your brain. As humans, we love closure—that’s why we open emails with intriguing subject lines and why finishing a project feels so good. Today, I’ll walk you through how to identify and tackle your incompletions, so you can move into the new year with confidence and clarity.
What Are Incompletions?
Incompletions are anything you’ve started but haven’t finished—tasks, promises, even clutter around your home. They drain your energy, take up mental space, and block you from making real progress. For example:
- Marketing initiatives you started but never completed.
- Digital courses you purchased but haven’t touched.
- Apps on your phone you downloaded but never use.
- Promises to clients, friends, or family you’ve forgotten to follow through on.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I’ve got my own mile-long list, and yes, I’m working on cleaning it up.
Why Incompletions Weigh You Down
Think about the last time you saw a task you hadn’t completed. Did it bother you? Maybe it was subtle, but it’s there—a little mental tug reminding you it’s unfinished. That’s because incompletions create open loops in your brain, which demand resolution. Decluttering your design business by addressing these open loops can help you reclaim your focus and reduce overwhelm.
Each incompletion is like a promise you’ve made to yourself or someone else. When it remains unfulfilled, it erodes your confidence and adds unnecessary stress.
How to Identify Your Incompletions
Here’s what I want you to do:
- Grab a notebook or a legal pad and start listing everything you’ve left unfinished.
- Categorize them into groups like home, office, client work, finances, and personal development.
- Don’t judge yourself. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about awareness.
Tackling Common Incompletions
1. Digital Clutter
How many courses have you purchased but never completed? How many apps are sitting on your phone, untouched? I’ve been there. Face yoga, anyone? If it’s not serving you, it’s time to delete, unsubscribe, or schedule time to use it. Decluttering your design business starts with addressing this digital clutter.
2. Financial Promises
Debt is another form of incompletion—a promise to pay that looms over you. Make a plan to clear it faster than the minimum payment schedule. I pay off my credit cards multiple times a month to avoid interest and stay in control.
3. Physical Clutter
From clothes you’ve meant to consign to pantry items that need tossing, physical clutter is a breeding ground for incompletions. Dedicate an hour this week to clear it out—it’s cathartic, I promise.
4. Client and Business Tasks
Have you promised a client follow-up and forgotten to send it? Or maybe you’ve got half-finished projects that are still lingering. Block time in your calendar to clean these up. Your reputation (and sanity) will thank you.
The Power of Completing
Closing the loop on an incompletion delivers an incredible sense of relief and accomplishment. It’s not just about the task itself; it’s about reclaiming the mental energy it was draining. Decluttering your design business works the same way—it frees up space for creativity and progress, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
Here’s a personal example: I bought a beautiful piece of art in Peru and had it framed immediately. But for over a month, it sat in my bedroom, waiting to be hung. Every day, I saw it and thought, I need to do that. When I finally hung it, the relief was almost comical—such a small task, but it made a big difference.
Building Better Habits
As designers, we’re brilliant starters, but finishing can be a challenge. The key is creating manageable milestones:
- Break long projects into 30, 60, or 90-day goals.
- Set deadlines that align with your natural energy and creativity.
- Surround yourself with team members who are finishers—they’ll help you close those loops.
Key Takeaways
This week, take one hour to start your list of incompletions. Post it somewhere visible and commit to tackling one or two items each day. You’ll be amazed at the momentum you build and the confidence it creates.
Remember, incompletions aren’t just tasks—they’re energy vampires. Decluttering your design business and addressing these unfinished tasks will free you to focus on what truly matters: your growth, your creativity, and your joy.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design practice profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of interior design.
