Let’s be honest: starting things is kind of our superpower. Starting with flair, with glitter cannons, with the enthusiasm of a squirrel who just discovered espresso. But finishing? Yeah… not so much. If you’re a neurodivergent entrepreneur like me, the struggle is real. One minute you’re building an empire in your mind, and the next you’re neck-deep in a totally unrelated spreadsheet titled “Business Names for My New Side Hustle.” (Don’t judge. You’ve done it too.)

So what gives? Why are we so amazing at starting, but finishing feels like a tragic comedy of errors? Let’s break it down. We’re diving into why our brains love to chase shiny things, how accountability doesn’t have to feel like a punishment, and why we all secretly need a hype squad. Get ready to stop spiraling and start finishing (without sacrificing your creative spark).

The Obsession With Shiny New Things

Ah, the dopamine rush of a fresh idea. It’s intoxicating. A new business venture? Yes. A new planner layout? Yes. A new productivity app that promises to fix your life? Double yes. The thrill of the new activates our neurodivergent brains like fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

But here’s the rub: once that initial sparkle fades and we hit a roadblock (usually in the form of “Wait, how do I actually do this?”), that excitement fizzles out faster than soda left open overnight. Suddenly, the glitter cannon is broken, and the spreadsheet is still blank. Ugh.

The trick here isn’t to stop loving new things—it’s to recognize that loving the new doesn’t mean abandoning the old. It just means you need a system that accounts for the mid-project slump and gives your future self a little boost. Spoiler alert: that boost is probably going to come from other humans. (More on that soon.)

You’re Not Lazy—You’re Overwhelmed (And Possibly Time-Blind)

Let’s clear this up: what you call procrastination is often just good old-fashioned overwhelm. You’re not putting things off because you’re lazy or unmotivated. You’re putting them off because your brain is swirling with ideas, and somehow none of them involve the actual next step of your current project.

And let’s be real: even when you do know the next step, life doesn’t always give you the time or mental clarity to jump on it. Maybe you had three back-to-back calls. Maybe your kid needed a snack shaped like a dinosaur immediately. Maybe you forgot what the next step even was because time is a flat circle and yesterday feels like last month.

The fix? Start building systems that help you find your place again. Sometimes that means talking it out with someone (hi, Julia 👋), writing down your progress before stepping away, or simply being kind enough to admit, “Yeah, I got stuck. That’s okay. What’s the next best step?”

External Accountability (But Make It Friendly)

Here’s the truth: we’re really good at showing up—for other people. You’ve probably moved mountains for a client or friend while your own to-do list slowly drowned in neglect. Why? Because external accountability works. It just does.

The key is not confusing accountability with micromanagement. Neurodivergent folks do not respond well to being bossed around (ask anyone who’s ever tried). What we do need is gentle nudging, positive reinforcement, and a bit of a cheerleading squad to remind us, “Hey, remember that awesome thing you were working on?”

Enter soft accountability: planning parties, check-ins that feel like coffee chats, and support that says “I see you” instead of “Where the heck have you been?” When you build in that kind of accountability, the magic happens. You don’t feel forced—you feel supported. Big difference.

Milestones, Not Finish Lines

Here’s a sneaky truth about goals: there’s rarely one big finish line. Writing a book isn’t done when the last chapter is typed. Nope—there’s editing, cover design, formatting, publishing, and promotion. Each “done” reveals a new set of “not done yet” steps. Surprise!

Instead of thinking in terms of “done,” think in terms of milestones. Celebrate the small wins. You finished the first draft? Amazing. That’s a milestone. You uploaded the final file? Another milestone. Your Aunt Marge bought a copy? That’s basically a launch party.

Breaking your goals down into micro-finishes keeps you motivated. More importantly, it lets your brain register progress, which fuels more progress. One big, overwhelming finish line will just make your brain say, “No thanks.” But bite-sized milestones? That’s where momentum lives.

You Need a Brain-Compatible System (With People)

Neurotypical productivity systems weren’t made for us. Time-blocking, rigid routines, daily planners with zero room for flexibility? No thank you. We need tools and strategies that respect how our brains work, not punish us for not fitting the mold.

That means building a community that understands how you tick. Maybe you struggle to start but once you’re rolling, you’re unstoppable. Or maybe you’re a powerhouse at launching but can’t bring yourself to wrap things up. Either way, being around people who balance your energy—and don’t make you feel broken for needing help—is key.

When we share our wins, our roadblocks, and our messy in-between moments, we create a cycle of momentum. Someone else’s idea could solve your problem. Your celebration could inspire their motivation. It’s less “accountability buddy” and more “collective genius hive.” And it works.

 

Here’s the deal: you’re not a failure because you didn’t finish that one thing. Or the five things. Or the seventeen half-started Trello boards from 2022. You’re a creative, visionary human with a brain that just needs the right support, the right community, and the right expectations.

Finishing things doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. With the right systems and support (hello, Rockstar Success Circle!), you can stop beating yourself up and start making consistent progress. And yes—you can still chase shiny new things. Just bring them into a system that lets you actually do something with them.

Let’s stop pretending we’re broken and start building structures that work for our brains. We’re not bad at finishing—we’ve just been trying to finish the wrong way.

✨ Ready to stop stalling and start finishing?
Join a community of supportive, neurodivergent entrepreneurs who get it. The Rockstar Success Circle gives you gentle accountability, real progress, and yes—sometimes actual glitter. 🌟
👉 Check it out here: geekygirl.ca/rssc