I've never been able to complete anything. What is this?

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I missed out the numerous ideas I've never started ha ha. I used to keep a book of all my ideas to return to at a later date, but after 2 years keeping it and knowing that I've never once returned to an idea I decided not to keep one. There's times I'll sit at the computer ready to start a project and hours later I've still not even started.

I like the idea of breaking things down into smaller chunks. But as a programmer - and other programmers can relate - this is natural for us to break tasks down into smaller chunks such as working on one function/method at a time and doing one task at a time. This generally good practice in programming. But breaking the project down into smaller chunks is another story, that can be confusing and frustrating. And even when it is broken down, it's still extremely difficult to remain motivated in the long run. The first week is fine, then things start to go down hill.

As for "means to an end", yes I have tried. I'm almost certain a number of my projects would have brought financial rewards. I sometimes start a project with the goal of earning revenue from it to support myself. But I don't seem motivated by money. I've had 1 project I completed when I was 24, but it was a rather simple project, which supported me through my time at University financially. And knowing I can do that should be a drive, but it's not.

It seems like you have the knowledge to really support a family. If only you could complete what you start! You said you had a "partner.' How helpful is she?

Yes I have a partner. She's supportive in the sense that she lets me get on with what I need to do, and she leaves me to study and work. But we've only just learnt of my Aspergers diagnosis (I was diagnosed on the 16th). And to be very honest she's struggling at the moment with it all, as am I. She doesn't even know if she can support me in any way or ever understand me at the moment. But, I'll save that for another thread. Maybe I'll ask her to register and ask some questions.

But back on topic. I do consider myself knowledgable in my subject areas. I've honed in on the areas of interest to me from a young age (which I now know is from the Aspergers). But self confidence, self image, and the inability to complete anything is what's stopping me.

Truthfully, she won't like it if she feels that she must support you. You have the skills. Why not use them? I wish I had your skills. Is there the opportunity for "remote" types of work in your field?

I sense sincerity in you. Don't give up.

This is what I'm scared of. I don't want her to "support" me. To understand how I think and work, maybe, but not to support me. We actually spoke about this earlier today.

There are options for freelance work. And I am able to do my own work and generate revenue from that. But it's back to the same problem of not completing what I finish. I would love more than anything to able to support a family, and to be independent financially. I just need to find access to the help, support or resources that can help me find a path in my brain to be able to do this so I get things completed. I've wished for this for most of my life.

Surprisingly you seemed to have stumbled upon something many people (esp men) wouldn't admit too, but more then a few here seems to have that problem, including my self. thanks for bringing it up, nice to see I am not alone in this either.

I don't sense that your inability to complete tasks is profound. You have Asperger's, which probably led to your abilities in the first place. I think you have the insight to know that you must "turn a corner." I don't think you're too far away at all.

I defiantly agree. I know I need to get over this, and I want to.

I've found in the past that feeling completely comfortable can help. I have to have a specific chair in the home office, and have my desk very neat and tidy, and things in a specific order on my desk and lined up ... a bit OCD. But that does give me a massive motivation boost. I also have to have a bath before I start a project to feel comfortable. So comfort plays a role in it.

There's also maybe the opportunity of outsourcing certain tasks of projects. This is cheap and viable these days. So rather than managing a complete web project I can hand off the actual design of the site to someone else so all I have to worry about is the business logic and what not (apologies if that makes no sense). But there's a pride issue with that. I've tried it. I then feel like the project isn't mine, and it's not my success, and I'm not entitled to any success from it. So I won't go down that route.

I've been referred to in the past as the builder that builds his own house, but not only does he build his own house, he makes his own bricks, and glass. He handles the entire thing himself from the the building, to the plumbing and electrics and even makes the wiring himself. I'm sure such a builder exists. But that's what people have said in the past. That's related to self pride though.

Somewhere in this tangle of wires in my brain is a pathway. I need to find it.

It's actually also relevant to mention something else. I'm a musician. I've done this from an early age too, around the time I was programming. I can play instruments. I love making music. But the same struggle applies here too ... I never finish a track. Well, never is an overstatement. I rarely finish a track. I've maybe completed 4 or 5 out of the possible hundreds I've attempted.

If you could build all aspects of a house, you're a genius.

You "defiantly," and "definitely," want to succeed.

Who cares if you do OCD things to prepare for your projects? You have no boss looking over you. As long as you're not nasty to your partner, I don't see the problem.

Business logic is required for success, even in creative endeavors. Thomas Edison didn't invent the lightbulb alone. He sure gave himself the credit for it, though LOL

If the seeds of the idea are yours, and most of the substance is yours, why can't it still be yours?

Shakespeare, it must be remembered, rarely or never created a play on his own; he made use of previous sources. He certainly took the credit for them, though.

Perhaps some of it too, is being in the habit of letting our brains lead us around instead of the other way around. I for example, should be showered already, doing dishes and laundry, and completing other tasks. Instead I've been on here for the last hour, because I didn't stop and think," hey, I have other stuff I need to do right now. I want to do this, but I don't NEED to. C'mon brain, it's time to hop in da showah. *brain grudgingly* " uuh! Ok fine, but I REALLY want to be on WP!

And I say c'mon! I'll let you listen to How to Train Your Dragon while we shower so you can watch it in your head. Brain goes yippee ok!

You've put some things in my mind to think about. I appreciate this. I wasn't aware of Shakespeare or Edison receiving help will read up on this. I've only just learnt that Steve Jobs was AS. He's my idol. Does he have anything relating to his struggle with AS in business?

My bath has been ran for over an hour. I'm supposed to be getting ready to see my Dad. I feel your problem. I'm exactly the same. Brain, I'm going for a bath. WP members you've been most helpful in sharing some advice.

In terms of music, Jazz, by its very definition, is improvisational; hence, in theory, there is never really a "complete product" in the usual sense. Louis Armstrong might compose a piece, but Dizzy Gillespie added his twist. Upon a superficial listening, the piece created by Armstrong and added by Gillespie could seem like totally separate pieces, especially when you get away from the "core" parts of the piece.

Edison had a whole staff engaged in inventing. I'm not sure if he treated them as employees or as colleagues. They were based in a large building in Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Edison might come up with an original idea--but through much trial and error, and much input from his staff, the original idea becomes the finished product. Edison didn't refine his original idea alone. Edison was able to delegate well, and he had the business sense to get the patent and publicize his inventions.

One delegates--but the original ideas is that person's.

I believe there were times when Michelangelo had others paint part of the roof of the Sistine Chapel.

This has happened to me in my personal life and my professional life. I can't seem to stay interested in things long enough before something else becomes more interesting. At work this effects my projects but I do complete them. Just not as quickly as the boss wants me to sometimes. I find my self drifting into boredom at some point in the project, but somehow manage to complete it. Wish I could offer some advice on how to help finish projects. The only thing I can think of is just force your self to keep going until the end. Plan an award for yourself of something you really enjoy. Only award yourself if the project is completed.

For me, there are two things at play – Executive Functioning Issues and Perfectionism.