Introduction
How many times have you started an exciting new project with the best of intentions, only to fizzle out before you ever got the idea fully off the ground?
Frustrating I know I’ve been there many times.
It feels terrible when you quit after making significant progress.
You wouldn’t think you’d leave something like that hanging, but you do.
Why?
To be clear, for this post I’m talking abouI’melf-directed projects I’m talking abouI’mour dream projects These projects can be challenging for many reasons They are different than supervised projects at work or raising your kids I’m talking abouI’mrojects that require you to figure out what to do and how to do it ome examples include but are not limited to writing a book, completing an online course, starting a YouTube channel, creating sustainable health habits, learning a new language, creating a vegetable garden, or starting a profitable side business.
In general, we tend to suck at these types of projects ot because we can’t set a decentcan’t or even put the work in t’s usually the lIt’sof accountability (no boss to tell us what to do), no tangible consequences (it’s not the end oit’se world if you never do it), or the follow-through required to get usthat’se end hese projects tend to result in future success t’s hard to stay excitedIt’sut something you may not finish for days, weeks, or even years from now, even when you’re “pumped” to do so.
The we’ree” isn’t” st YOU.
The problem isisn’tne told you that you need a strategy to start something from nothing and see it through to the finish line.
I believe that “finishing” is a habit that ca” be devel”ped ust like most habits, you need to be intentional and consistent n other words, you can choose to become good at finishing what you start ike any skill set, some people are more naturally wired for this, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn tdoesn’tipline andcan’ts required to conquer this “hard skill” that can improve “our life a”d those you love.
There are times when you do want to finish what you started hose great, big, interesting goals can change lives when you reach them o, how can you act with diligence and get things done even when the world pulls you in so many directions?
These tips can help you form a strategy to help you finish those dream projects that are meaningful and purposeful to you:
Clarify the Vision
It’s impossible to finish anytIt’s when you’re not clear on the eventuyou’recome ake the time upfront to examine the project you have in mind an you visualize the outcome you want eing clear upfront is the best investment in your time, money, and effort.
Fully Commit
Once you have a clear idea of where you’re going, ask yourself whyyou’ree doing this hat motivayou’reu hat about this excites you old onto these thoughts, write down your intention, and commit verbally riting it down and saying it out loud does make a difference!
Design Your Space
Never underestimate the power of the right environment for productivity esigning an inviting space where the action happens helps to train your brain: “This is where we work.” Where”er you choose to work,”make sure you reduce distractions.
Make Temptation Impossible
This is crucial, no matter the goal f your focus is vital in a deep work project, consider turning off your phone or putting it in a drawer f you’re working on health-related eating goals, consider a healthy pantry mayou’re.
Get Organized (But don’t shoot for perfection)
What tools don’tu need to get started ow is the time to assemble them nce you’ve got all of your materials, creatyou’veme plan hat’s the goal for today, the week, thWhat’sh hat do you need to get done for the next milestone his should be laid out in simple, bite-sized pieces.
Set a Start Work Routine
Say a prayer ight a candle isten to calming music et a cup of tea (and a biscuit!) hatever gets you in the right mindset reating a “start work routine” before you get to “ork tells your bra”n you’re ready to work now and get thingsyou’re With consistent practice, this routine will become a trigger that instantly puts you in the perfect headspace, essential in creating consistency.
Start Early (if possible)
Suppose you can start working on your project as early in the day as possible tudies have shown an earlier start to the day can be crucial to success his is important even if you’re not a ‘morning’ person hy heyou’rer you w’it to s’art your day, the more likely you will put off beginning until tomorrow lso, if you jump in early, you’ll feel amazingly productive by lunch.
Just do it
Once you have everything in place, start without thinking about it oo often, we stall out because we don’t “feel” ready nce you’ve organizdon’tu” mat”rials or workyou’ve there’s no point in holding back o for it.
Blast Through for Five Minutes
Tell yourself you’re just going to test the waters anyou’rew yourself in wholeheartedly for five minutes ou have a plan ll you need is to work on it!
Single Task
Don’t multitask when you plunge into thDon’toject ut all your energy and attention and focus on what you’re doing.
Enter the Flow State
Haveyou’rever been in a flow state before According to an article in the Very W”ll Mind, Flow is a state of mind in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity ositive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi describes flow as complete immersion in an activity eing immersed can be defined as a state of focus in which a person is completely absorbed and engrossed in their work..” Sink into it and enjoy the sensation “f everything coming together while the outside world melts away.
Keep the Momentum
Try to hold your momentum even if you don’t have a solid flow state orward don’tess is still progress, no matter how slow eep putting one foot in front of the other.
Set a Quitting Time
Don’t work endlessly o avoid burnout,Don’t when you are finished for the day therwise, you’ll crash and burn, making it harderyou’llck up again the next day.
Set Up for the Next Day’s Success
How do you want to beginDay’srrow or example, some writers write the first sentence of the next chapter before quitting for the day so they can jump right in without resistance hat would help you ay out your workout clothes, clean up your desk, set out materials, and do whatever you need for a successful start the next time you settle into work.
Believe In Yourself
As you keep working, remember this essential truth: You have everything you need to succeed he very fact you’re working to achieve your dreams myou’reou exceptional.
You’ve got this!
Be well + prosper,
EYou’vexx
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