Early in a New Year, many people start a new project. Whether it’s a project at work or at home, there is often the need or desire to start something new. They’re often easy to start but harder to complete. So we thought we’d offer some strategies that tend to work for all types of projects, large or small. We think you’ll find that people who regularly reach their goals use them.
Big projects are actually a series of small tasks.
If you get stuck and aren’t sure what to do next, ask yourself, “What is the very next action step?” The step doesn’t need to be big; it can be making a phone call, writing a list, or talking to a colleague. Until the project is done, there is always a “very next action step.” Most people feel energized when they identify and complete the next action step.
Pressed for time?
Capture the 15 minutes you have while you’re waiting for an appointment or the 30 minutes you have on the bus or train. Make a list of tasks you can work on during these short chunks of time. One client studied for a foreign language exam while commuting between home and work. Another person did the background reading for her master’s thesis on the train going to and from her job.
Remember to bring “goal work” with you wherever you go.
One of our clients wrote notes to key people in his network when he found himself stranded in a hotel room in a blizzard. These notes were important because he was starting a job search and needed to reactivate his network.
Create effective lists.
You’ve probably made lists before, but have you made various kinds of lists? One kind is a list of things to do today. The second includes tasks for projects that you’re actively working on, but not necessarily today. The third list is “someday maybe.” Someday you might visit Europe, take piano lessons or read War and Peace. You might eventually drop these items because you lose interest, or they could end up on one of the other lists because you are more enthusiastic about them.
Find and use an organizational system that works for you.
Today many people use their electronic phones to keep track of events, phone numbers and other information. Others prefer a Day-Timer type of system or a paper calendar. Whatever works for you, set it up and use it conscientiously. Implement one or more of these tips today — you’ll notice the difference in your life immediately.
