Are you struggling with procrastination or finding it hard to follow through on your goals? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, the Bautis Financial team discusses another in their Book Club series: Finish What You Start: The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins. The team shares their insights on how to overcome procrastination, stick with commitments, and build self-discipline — key concepts that not only apply to personal development but also to financial planning.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why people struggle with following through, even when they are motivated.
- Small changes you can make to improve your follow-through.
- How instant gratification impacts our ability to follow through on long-term goals.
- How leaders can use the principles of this book to improve execution on teams.
- And more!
Whether you’re looking to improve your personal productivity or make progress on long-term financial goals, this episode provides valuable takeaways for turning good intentions into lasting action.
Resources:
Finish What You Start: The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Self-Discipline | Bautis Financial Book Club | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call
Disclosure: The transcript below has been edited for clarity and content. It is not a direct transcription of the full episode, which can be listened to above.
Marc:
Welcome back to The Agent of Wealth Podcast, this is your host Marc Bautis. Today, I’m joined by the Bautis Financial team for a Book Club discussion. If you’ve been following along, we’ve covered 15 books so far, but for those of you who are new to these episodes, let me explain how it works…
Every few months, the Bautis Financial team picks a book that challenges us, inspires us, or teaches us something valuable. One of our five team members selects the book – this time, it was Dylan’s pick – and then we dive into a discussion about what we learned, what we liked (or didn’t like), and most importantly, how we can apply the insights to our work and daily lives.
This month’s book is Finish What You Start: The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins. It’s all about breaking free from procrastination, sticking with your commitments, and actually getting things done – something I think we can all relate to.
So, Dylan, what made you choose this book?
Dylan:
Yeah, thanks, Marc. I chose this book because I wanted to strengthen my self-discipline and gain a deeper understanding of how to overcome procrastination and improve execution. I think we can all relate to moments when we procrastinate — whether it’s due to distractions or because something doesn’t feel like an immediate priority. I wanted to explore ways to enhance my ability to follow through.
While I believe this book will help me improve my own execution habits, I also saw it as a valuable resource for guiding our clients in doing the same. There are times when we provide recommendations and explain how to implement them, but clients may take time to follow through — often because they’re busy or focused on other priorities. This book offers powerful lessons on what it truly takes to start and complete tasks, as well as how to develop the right habits to make that happen.
Marc:
Alright Dylan, I’ll turn it over to you to lead the discussion. What are we going to discuss first?
Dylan:
Before we dive into the discussion, I’ll briefly introduce the author. The book is written by Peter Hollins, a researcher specializing in human psychology and behavior. He has dedicated his career to helping individuals unlock their full potential and identify actionable steps toward their personal path to success.
The first question I have is for you, Marc — what strategy or tip from the book stood out the most to you, and how do you plan to implement it in your life?
Marc:
Yeah, I thought this book had a lot of great tips. One of my favorites came from the chapter about creating your own manifesto — essentially setting personal rules to help you stay on track and resist temptation. One of the strategies he introduced was called the 10-10-10 rule.
Throughout life, we constantly face decisions — moments where we reach a fork in the road and have to choose a path. The 10-10-10 rule encourages you to consider how your decision will make you feel in 10 minutes, 10 hours, and 10 days. If you give in to temptation and make a choice that leads you off track, you might feel good in the first 10 minutes — maybe even a little guilty. By 10 hours, that guilt could grow, and by 10 days, you might feel real regret, recognizing the impact on your long-term goals.
You can even extend this mindset to 10 weeks or longer. The reason this approach is so effective is that it provides perspective on the true impact of your decisions. It helps you step back from the immediate emotional pull of a choice and consider its broader implications.
This rule is powerful because it helps prevent impulsive decisions — ones that are based solely on short-term feelings. It also clarifies your core values by forcing you to think about how your choices align with your long-term goals. And perhaps most importantly, it helps reduce regret — by thinking ahead about the consequences, you’re more likely to make a decision you’ll feel good about in the future.
Ultimately, the 10-10-10 rule is a great way to balance short-term desires with long-term priorities and gain a clearer perspective on what truly matters.
Dylan:
Yeah, thanks, Marc. I really like the 10-10-10 rule too. It does a great job of framing decisions in terms of the short-term, medium-term, and long-term impact. A lot of times, people only focus on how a choice affects them in the moment and don’t fully consider how it might impact their long-term goals.
So, Kayla, my next question is for you — why do you think people struggle with following through, even when they’re motivated?
Kayla:
One thing I liked in this chapter is how the author dives deep into why people abandon their goals. The first reason he highlights is struggling with emotions. When we start working toward a goal, it’s exciting at first, but that excitement is temporary. As soon as the challenge sets in, people tend to give up. The problem isn’t always the task itself — it’s that we don’t know how to push through discomfort to reach our goal.
Another reason he discusses is not having a clear plan. Many people set ambitious goals, like getting in shape or starting a business, but they don’t break them down into actionable steps. Without a concrete plan, motivation fades because there’s no clear direction to focus on.
He also talks about modern distractions — emails, social media notifications, and everything else competing for our attention. It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of procrastination when we’re constantly interrupted.
Another big reason people struggle is fear of failure or perfectionism. Some people hesitate to take action because they’re afraid of making mistakes, which can keep them from starting at all.
Ultimately, motivation is great for getting started, but it’s not what keeps people going. The people who succeed are the ones who build systems and develop discipline to push through the challenges.
Dylan:
Yeah, thanks, Kayla. That last point is a great segue into what I’m going to discuss next — Peter Hollins makes a strong case that motivation is unreliable, and it’s actually discipline that drives results.
I used to believe motivation alone was enough to accomplish something, but I’ve realized that discipline trumps motivation. With discipline, you can build momentum and create consistent habits. Motivation, on the other hand, is inconsistent — it can fade due to external factors like mood, energy levels, or your environment, which all change on a daily basis.
Discipline is more reliable because it creates consistency, and consistency leads to results. When someone regularly puts in effort, discipline becomes second nature — they don’t even have to think about it.
A great example of how motivation can be unreliable while discipline drives results is a college student preparing for an exam. The student might feel motivated to study for a good grade, but when a friend invites them to hang out or watch a big game, that desire to socialize might override their motivation to study. Even if they stay home, they might struggle to focus if their motivation is low.
I’m not saying students should never spend time with friends or enjoy themselves, but if they build a disciplined study routine, they can balance both without guilt. For example, if a student studies for an hour in the morning, another hour after class, and one more before dinner, they stay on track while still having time for things they enjoy. That consistent habit ensures they’re always making progress, regardless of their motivation.
All right, Marc, back to you — what small changes can someone make today to improve their follow-through?
Marc:
One example from the book is starting with the easiest task first. The idea is that by completing something simple, you prove to yourself that the task is possible. By the time you get to the harder tasks, your mind has already built momentum, making them feel more attainable.
Even before reading this book, I first came across this concept from Admiral William McRaven, who wrote Make Your Bed. That book is based on lessons from his Navy SEAL training and a commencement speech he delivered at the University of Texas. One of his core principles is the power of small actions — he says that starting your day with a simple task, like making your bed, sets a positive tone and builds a sense of accomplishment that leads to greater productivity.
I actually use this in my own routine. Every morning, I complete a few small tasks to build momentum for the day. One example is checking Orion, one of our software platforms, to review anything new from the previous day. It’s a simple task, but it’s on my list every day, and checking it off helps me build momentum for the rest of my tasks.
This idea actually contradicts another well-known concept from Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. Tracy argues for the opposite approach — starting with the hardest, most dreaded task first. He compares it to eating a frog — nobody wants to do it, but if you tackle the hardest thing first, your energy is at its highest, and everything else feels easier afterward.
I think this debate ties into financial planning, especially when it comes to paying off debt. There are two main strategies:
- Debt Snowball: Pay off the smallest debts first, regardless of interest rates. This builds momentum as each small win keeps you motivated.
- Debt Avalanche: Prioritize paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, even if it’s a larger amount and takes longer. This is the most financially efficient approach but requires patience.
Both methods work, but the key takeaway is that different strategies work for different people. Personally, I align more with Hollins — I believe in getting started with something manageable, building momentum, and riding that momentum forward.
Dylan:
Yeah, that’s a great point, Marc. I also love that you brought up Make Your Bed — I actually read that book in college as part of an assignment from one of my professors.
Anyway, Kyra, how does instant gratification impact people’s ability to follow through on long-term goals?
Kyra:
In Finish What You Start, Peter Hollins explains that instant gratification is actually one of the biggest obstacles to following through on long-term goals because it tempts people to prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term, meaningful progress. This manifests itself in several ways:
- The Dopamine Trap – Hollins describes how the brain is wired to seek quick rewards, releasing dopamine when we experience instant pleasure. Examples can include scrolling on social media, binge-watching TV, or eating junk food. These short-term rewards provide immediate satisfaction but can hijack motivation for long-term goals, which require sustained effort.
- The Willpower Drain – The book highlights that self-discipline is a limited resource, and constantly resisting temptation can exhaust it. When we frequently give in to instant gratification, we reinforce a habit of choosing short-term ease over long-term reward.
- The Problem of Small Excuses – Hollins points out that small, seemingly harmless indulgences (e.g., “I’ll just take a five-minute break”) accumulate into a pattern of procrastination and inconsistency. He uses examples of fitness goals where skipping “just one” workout can quickly turn into abandoning the entire plan.
Instead of using instant gratification, we can reframe the way we look at rewards. Meaning… instead of focusing on what you’re giving up, focus on what you’re gaining from long-term success.
Also, setting up external accountability can reduce the temptation of immediate rewards.
Thank you to everyone who tuned into today’s episode. Don’t forget to follow The Agent of Wealth on the platform you listen from and leave us a review of the show. We are currently accepting new clients, if you’d like to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with our advisors, please do so below.
Dylan:
Yeah, thanks, Kyra. I really like that you brought up the problem of small excuses because I’m definitely guilty of that myself. There have been plenty of times when I’ve said, “I’ll just take a five-minute break,” and then five minutes turns into 10, 10 turns into 15, and before I know it, I’m completely derailed from what I was trying to accomplish in the first place.
So, Kayla, how can someone build momentum when they’re stuck in the middle of a project and their motivation starts to fade?
Kayla:
Peter Hollins discusses how motivation naturally fades, especially in the middle of a project when the initial excitement wears off and challenges arise. He outlines several strategies to maintain momentum.
One approach is to shrink the task, which aligns with what Marc mentioned earlier — making small progress keeps you moving forward and builds a success streak. Checking off tiny tasks can boost confidence and help sustain momentum toward larger goals.
Another strategy is to revisit your ‘why’ — reminding yourself why you started in the first place. Reflecting on your original goal and the problems you’re trying to solve can reignite your motivation.
Hollins also suggests changing your environment. A simple shift — like moving to a different workspace, listening to new music, or altering your routine — can help refocus your attention.
Another technique is to gamify the process, making it more engaging and rewarding. Setting small challenges, working in short bursts, or using a timer can make tasks feel more like a game, keeping you invested in the process.
Perhaps the most critical point is to rely on discipline, not motivation. Motivation is unpredictable, but discipline is something you can control. Treating your project as a commitment — rather than something you only work on when you feel like it — ensures steady progress.
Finally, Hollins emphasizes the power of simply getting started. Taking action itself creates motivation, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. The goal is to make progress automatic rather than something you have to constantly force. If you’re stuck, don’t overthink — just take small steps and let momentum build.
Dylan:
Yeah, I totally agree. I think a lot of times, people delay starting something, but just taking a small action can go a long way.
John, how can leaders use these principles to improve execution within their teams?
John:
One section of the book really stood out to me, though I can’t remember which chapter it was. Hollins talks about goal-setting and the idea of bad goals.
There’s a balance when setting goals:
- If they’re too high, they can feel unattainable, leading to disengagement. If the mountain looks too steep, people may give up before making meaningful progress.
- If they’re too low, they don’t challenge you enough to grow.
Leaders need to strike that balance because if they feel discouraged by a goal, their team will feel the same way. If a leader sets an unrealistic goal, the team may think, This is never going to happen, and disengage.
Once goals are set, Hollins highlights the importance of environmental cues to reinforce them. You guys touched on this already, but leaders can set up visual reminders in the office that point back to long-term goals. Whether it’s a sign on your desk, a progress chart, or even sensory cues like scents or music, these small reminders help maintain focus and motivation.
Time management is another crucial aspect. Leaders can implement time-blocking strategies to ensure time is dedicated to long-term priorities rather than just daily tasks. There’s a saying — I forget the exact wording — but it’s about working on the business instead of just in the business. Leaders should take a step back, assess how time is being used, and ensure it aligns with the team’s overarching goals.
Finally, Hollins suggests creating a manifesto or mission statement that encapsulates these goals. When goals are clearly defined and given a deeper purpose, they take on a life of their own, guiding the direction of the team or business.
Dylan:
Yeah, thanks, John. I really like how you brought up the idea of having visible reminders of long-term goals. When you’re deep in the grind, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Having that constant visual cue can make it easier to stay focused.
Next, I want to discuss how our environment influences our ability to follow through and how we can design it for success.
Our surroundings play a huge role in our productivity. If you’re in an environment full of distractions, it’s incredibly difficult to concentrate. Think about studying in a quiet library versus a noisy coffee shop — most people are more productive in a calm, organized space.
A well-structured environment can boost productivity by minimizing distractions. Even something as simple as having papers scattered on your desk can pull your attention away. And of course, our phones are one of the biggest distractions — one notification can send you down a rabbit hole of unrelated tasks.
Structuring your daily routine is just as important as structuring your physical space. If you have set times for work, exercise, leisure, and rest, you’re more likely to stick to them. The more consistently you follow a routine, the more second nature it becomes.
So, Kyra, how can habit stacking be used to create consistency?
Kyra:
Habit stacking is discussed in the latter part of the book as a powerful technique to create consistency by leveraging existing habits to form new ones.
This part of the book brought me back to the first ever book we covered in our Book Club, Atomic Habits by James Clear. I was introduced to the idea of habit stacking from that book – which we read together back in 2021 – and it’s actually a technique that I’ve used in my life ever since.
The core idea here is that it’s easier to build a new habit when it’s attached to something you already do on a regular basis, rather than trying to start from scratch.
For example, if you want to develop a daily habit of reading, you could stack it on to an existing morning routine like drinking coffee:
- “After I make my morning coffee, I will read for 10 minutes while I drink it.”
The power of this method comes from anchoring the new habit to something already automatic, making it more natural and easier to repeat consistently.
Here are two more examples:
- If you want to do push-ups daily, stack them onto an existing habit – “After I brush my teeth, I will do 10 push-ups.”
- If you want to improve your organization, attach it to another routine – “After I check my morning emails, I will write down my top three priorities for the day.”
Habit stacking works because consistency is the key to following through. Habit stacking removes the need for constant motivation, so you no longer need to rely on willpower.
Dylan:
And finally, the last question is for you, John. If listeners can take away just one lesson from the book, what should it be?
John:
Simply wanting to achieve a goal and knowing what you need to accomplish that goal is not enough. There will always be forces pulling you away from the tasks that are necessary to achieve your goals and without systems and plans in place that will help you through these tough moments you will almost always revert back to your old ways.
There is a saying that goes something like: “Without change then nothing changes.” I like how this book gives you clear and easily implementable action items to make some changes that may have a long lasting effect on your life.
Dylan:
Alright, that’s all of the questions I had for the team as it comes to this book. Thanks, everyone, for participating. I’ll hand it back over to you, Marc.
Marc:
Thanks Dylan, and thank you to everyone who tuned into today’s episode. The next book in our Book Club series will be chosen by John. I recommend you subscribe to this podcast, that way you won’t miss that episode when it goes live. Until next time.
Bautis Financial LLC is a registered investment advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.