04/25/2026
This morning listening to a podcast, the host was sharing about a conversation he heard where someone referred to the “last 10%” being the longest, hardest leg of the journey. In this case, they were talking about finishing a movie. The host of the podcast relates it to finishing his new construction home.
And I thought, that’s so right. When I work with clients / investors, so often people quit at 90%, because I think we know innately that the last 10% will be the hardest and we’re already so tired from the 90% we’ve completed.
I’m an encourager and I believe everyone has the ability to show up as the best version of themselves. As a former hairstylist, I often use the phrase, “It’s like doing a full highlight and skipping the toner.” You…did…SO…much…work just to leave it incomplete. No, don’t stop now.
When it’s the home you live in, we’re usually living in the 90%, if that, because we LIVE there…with kids, and pets, and we fix one thing and something else breaks. That’s okay!
When it’s the home you are selling…when it’s an investment property, that last 10% makes all the difference…and all the dollars. This is especially tough, when clients still want the money they would earn for a 100% project. Buyers can see the missing 10%. And, unfortunately, they can’t see the 90%. They weren’t there to watch your hard work, long hours, checks written. But they see the missing 10%. Finish the last 10%, because you’ve earned it. Don’t do yourself the disservice or quitting early and taking the loss. Trust me, the rest you receive after that bigger payoff will be better than the rest feels with the loss.
Now, I know, sometimes things truly aren’t worth it…when they affect our mental health and our relationships. But if that’s not the case, keep going.
And, if you’re willing to hear me out and take my advice, I’ll help you find the missing 10% and get you where you really want to go.
