Last month, I watched a knitting podcast where the host casually mentioned she had 19 works in progress. Nineteen. And honestly? She didn’t seem stressed about it.
Since getting back into knitting late last year, I’ve been watching a lot of knitting video podcasts. I love hearing what other people are working on and learning from them. But one unexpected thing I’ve discovered from watching all of these videos is how differently people relate to their projects. While 19 may be quite a lot, the majority of the podcasters I’ve been watching have several projects on the go at a time—as well as projects that are currently “hibernating” or “in time out.”
If you’re someone with lots of unfinished projects—and feel overwhelmed by them—this post is for you.
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Process knitters vs project knitters
Many knitters distinguish between “process” knitters and “product” knitters. Process knitters knit for the love of knitting: for learning new techniques, trying out new yarn, for simply spending time with their yarn and needles. They might not even care so much what they’re knitting—as long as they’re knitting.
A product knitter is someone who knits for the finished result: for the sweater, the pair of socks, the scarf that they’re making. They might care less about the process of knitting—might not even necessarily enjoy it. They just want to get to the product.
The majority of knitters will probably be a little bit of both. But what I loved about this distinction is that it lends itself so well to all kinds of projects, including ones in our business.
The weight of unfinished projects
Clients often tell me that they struggle with finishing projects. What they struggle with even more is having a whole list of unfinished projects. The unfinished projects—a backlog or graveyard of them—weigh heavier than the individual projects that are not getting done.
The weight of unfinished projects can be so heavy because we’ve been told how good it is to finish projects. Hustle and productivity culture frame not finishing projects as a failure. As if you’re a failure if you’re not finishing.
Having to finish each and every project that you start has become a rule, a moral prescription.
But why should it? Why should you finish every project that you start?
There are so many reasons why you might not finish a project, from neurodivergence to emotional blocks and something just not fitting your business anymore.
Productivity hacks only affirm the moral need to finish—and might only make you feel worse when you don’t. So let’s reject the idea that you have to finish at all.
There is no inherent value in finishing a project. You are not a better human or business owner if you do. You are not a failure if you don’t.
Your permission slip
If you need it today, this is your permission slip to not be so hard on yourself.
You can always come back to something, or take it off your list completely. Or you can take it much slower by cutting your task into (really) small steps.
If your list of unfinished projects has you feeling overwhelmed, it might be time for some radical reprioritization, cutting your to-do list or seeking support like outsourcing or mentoring.
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If the weight of unfinished projects is something you’d like support with, I now have space for new mentoring clients. My new mini-package gives you one focused month to get clarity and figure out what actually deserves your attention. Book a free chemistry call here.
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I’d love to know what resonates with you from this post.
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I’d love to support you in all phases of your business. Providing clarity, focus and next steps is something that my clients tell me I’m really good at. If you’re curious about how we can work together through 1:1 mentoring, check out what I offer or send me an email–no strings attached. I have payment plans available, and flexible options for mentoring calls.
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