This might sound harsh, but the reality is that the people we surround ourselves with have an enormous impact on our thinking, our opportunities, and ultimately our success. There are plenty of clichés about this concept, but they persist because they’re true. Your network determines your net worth. You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. These sayings exist because they reflect a fundamental truth about human nature.
When I built and sold Swag of the Month and grew Ellie.com to seven figures in just four months, I wasn’t doing it surrounded by negative thinkers or people who dragged me down. I was selective about who I let into my inner circle.
The Power of Being a Finisher
The second piece of advice I want to share is equally important: find something you’re passionate about and be a finisher. This is where I see so many talented people fall short.
Being a finisher means seeing things through to completion. It means pushing past the inevitable obstacles, disappointments, and unexpected turns that come with any worthwhile pursuit. Too many people start strong but fizzle out when things get difficult.
What separates successful entrepreneurs from dreamers? It’s not just having good ideas—it’s the ability to execute those ideas to completion.
Here’s what being a finisher looks like in practice:
- Setting clear endpoints for projects and initiatives
- Maintaining momentum even when motivation wanes
- Adapting to changing circumstances without abandoning your goals
- Recognizing when “good enough” is better than perfect but incomplete
- Learning from each completed project, regardless of outcome
The ability to finish what you start builds credibility—both with others and with yourself. Each time you follow through on a commitment, you strengthen your self-trust and prove your reliability to those around you.
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Embracing Imperfect Endings
One crucial aspect of being a finisher is accepting that not everything will end exactly as you envisioned. The conclusion may not be what you initially wanted. It may not be the best possible outcome. But there’s tremendous value in closing things out and moving forward.
I’ve launched businesses that didn’t meet my original expectations, but by seeing them through to some form of conclusion, I gained invaluable experience that prepared me for future success. Had I left those ventures in perpetual limbo—neither fully pursuing them nor officially ending them—I would have wasted energy that could have been directed toward new opportunities.
This willingness to accept imperfect endings isn’t about settling or giving up. It’s about being pragmatic and recognizing when it’s time to redirect your resources. Sometimes the smartest decision is to wrap something up, extract the lessons, and move on to the next challenge.
Creating Momentum Through Completion
There’s a psychological benefit to finishing things that many people underestimate. Each completion creates momentum that carries into your next project. Conversely, a trail of unfinished business creates drag on everything you do.
When I look at the most successful people I know, they all share this quality. They don’t just start things—they finish them. They understand that execution is everything. They recognize that a completed B+ project is infinitely more valuable than an A+ idea that never materializes.
So my challenge to you is twofold: First, be intentional about who you allow into your life. Avoid people who consistently make poor choices or who drain your energy rather than enhance it. Second, develop the discipline to be a finisher. Find your passion, pursue it wholeheartedly, and see it through to completion—even when that completion looks different than you initially imagined.
These two principles have guided me through multiple successful ventures, and I believe they can do the same for you. Choose smart people and smart decisions. Start strong, but more importantly, finish strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you identify “stupid people” to avoid?
I define “stupid people” not by intelligence but by behavior patterns. Look for those who repeatedly make self-destructive choices, refuse to learn from mistakes, or consistently bring negativity into situations. Pay attention to how you feel after spending time with someone—if you consistently feel drained or pulled toward poor decisions, that’s a red flag.
Q: What if my passion doesn’t lead to financial success?
Not every passion needs to be your primary income source. The key is finding balance. You might pursue your passion as a side project while maintaining financial stability through other work. Alternatively, you might need to pivot how you approach your passion to make it viable. The important thing is to finish what you start, learn from the experience, and use that knowledge to inform your next steps.
Q: How do you know when it’s time to declare something “finished” versus continuing to improve it?
This requires honest assessment. Ask yourself: Is continued work yielding proportional results? Have I delivered on the core promise or purpose? Am I avoiding completion out of perfectionism rather than meaningful improvement? Sometimes setting a deadline or defining specific completion criteria in advance can help make this decision clearer.
Q: What’s the difference between giving up and deciding to finish something in a way that wasn’t originally planned?
Giving up means abandoning something without resolution or learning. Deciding to finish differently means making a strategic choice to bring something to a defined conclusion—even if it’s not the one you initially envisioned. The key difference is intentionality and closure. A proper finish, even if redirected, includes extracting lessons and creating a clean break that allows you to move forward without lingering attachments.
Q: How can I become better at finishing things when I have a history of leaving projects incomplete?
Start small to build your “finishing muscle.” Choose a modest project with clear parameters and commit to completing it. Break larger goals into smaller milestones that provide regular wins. Consider making yourself accountable to someone else or working with a partner who has strong follow-through. Most importantly, recognize and celebrate when you do finish something—this positive reinforcement helps build the habit over time.
