Still Space with Sian Clifford

Still Space with Sian Clifford

Essays

111 Drafts

Why is it so hard to finish what we start?

Sian Clifford's avatar
Sian Clifford
Jan 14, 2024
∙ Paid
pile of papers

Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start…

Lol. Is it though?

“I’d be fascinated to see inside your drafts folder”—no this wasn’t a euphemism whispered to me by a creeping sense of internal dread but something a friend said to me a couple of months ago after I regaled her with all the things I’ve ‘started’ writing about… but am yet to finish.

The truth is I am an ideas MEGA FOUNTAIN. Not a crusty old one either. A smooth flowing, algae-free dream. Soft water here only thank you very much. Did I mention yet how many draft-worthy ideas I’ve had since I joined Substack? No? Ok right now, it’s 82. That doesn’t include the pieces I have published, the decades worth of notes on my phone - or my laptop. Or the ones that will come to me during the creation of this piece. But believe me, they will come.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

Please know, none of this is to brag. If only. What I’m trying to get to the bottom of here is what it is that prevents me and maybe you too, from following through. Why from the moment of inspiration do some of us turn swiftly on our heels in the opposite direction and avoid seeing an idea through to its end? From finishing what we’ve started?

I am writing this piece in the hope of finding out. As well as sharing some of the tools I use to boost ideas and inspiration should you find yourself experiencing the opposite of my affliction.

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Sian Clifford.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Sian Clifford · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture