Many people find themselves in situations where projects and tasks started with enthusiasm remain unfinished. This is often attributed to laziness or a lack of willpower. However, Spanish psychologists argue that the root of the problem may run much deeper, involving internal conflicts, fears, and even experiences from childhood.
According to psychologist Rodrigo Díaz Carazo, the habit of abandoning things halfway is not always a sign of laziness. It is often the result of an inner conflict between the desire to reach a goal and the difficulty of maintaining consistency. The cause may be low tolerance for disappointment, poor time management, or the absence of a clear goal to keep motivation alive. Sometimes, emotional barriers are to blame: fear of not doing something well enough, a sense of meaningless effort, or such high standards for oneself that they literally paralyze any action.
It is important to distinguish giving up on a project from procrastination. Procrastination occurs when someone wants to achieve a result but postpones the task, finding excuses or getting distracted by more pleasant activities. In contrast, with unfinished business, the initial interest may completely fade, leaving no energy for further action. If this pattern repeats across different areas of life and is accompanied by feelings of emptiness, general demotivation, or even symptoms of anxiety, it may indicate a more serious psychological issue.
Motivation and self-esteem play a key role in the ability to see things through to the end. Sustained motivation, based on personal values and meaning, helps overcome difficulties. However, if a person has low self-esteem and lacks confidence in their abilities, the likelihood that they will give up before seeing any results increases significantly. Projects are not abandoned due to lack of talent, but due to an inability to trust oneself and make a long-term effort.
Another common trap is perfectionism, which is closely linked to fear of failure. Completing a project means making its results open to evaluation—both by others and through self-criticism. By leaving something unfinished, a person subconsciously protects themselves from possible failure, but at the same time deprives themselves of the chance for success.
The roots of this problem often go back to childhood. A child who was only praised for perfect results, rather than for the effort put in, may grow up believing they are never good enough. Constant comparisons with others or criticism also undermine self-confidence. These emotional wounds manifest as internal blocks and a tendency to retreat in the face of difficulties.
Positive psychology specialist Sofía García speaks about so-called “core beliefs” (creencias nucleares), which are shaped in the past and become activated when facing certain challenges. It can be difficult for a person to recognize these patterns on their own, and working through them may require professional help. To quiet negative thoughts linked to these beliefs, people often turn to procrastination as a form of emotional self-regulation.
To break this vicious cycle, experts suggest two practical steps. First, make a list of tasks you abandoned halfway and analyze them for similarities. This can help uncover those hidden beliefs that prevent you from moving forward. Second, identify the personal values behind each action. It’s important to shift the focus from “I have to do this to get something” to “I want to do this because it matters to me.” This approach helps strengthen internal motivation and successfully finish what you start.
