I have a confession to make. In the last 5 months since the start of January 2023, I have started 20 different projects. You know how at the end of the year, you're all pumped up, ready to accomplish so much, and tell yourself that 2023 is a new year—let's start then!
Fast forward 5 months, and here we are, two dozen unfinished projects later.
I used to think, "Oh man, why can't I accomplish anything?", "Why do I start so many projects and not finish them?", or my favorite, "You succeeded in accomplishing nothing."
It's easy to get down on ourselves, but the truth is, we're all human. We're our own worst enemy. In this blog series, we'll explore the art of tackling unfinished projects by breaking down the process into a series of actionable steps. In Part 1, we'll focus on prioritizing projects for long-term success, helping us focus our energy on what truly counts.
Prioritizing Projects for Long-Term Success
Long-term projects are commitments that you want to accomplish, usually with the hope of achieving some sort of positive result that aligns with your goals. Take, for example, attending a four-year degree program in a field that might land you a job to fuel your ambitions.
A lot of the time, we don't pause long enough to really think about which projects will have a lasting impact. Four years in an institution is no joke—48 months, 3,5040 hours, 5,260,000 minutes, and so on.
Of course, that's not all dedicated to the task, but consider this: it's four years spent traveling to and from campus, four years mingling with people who will likely influence you (for better or worse), and four years of, well, life happening all around you.
So how do you make sure you're making the best use of that precious time? Here are some pointers
Reflect on personal values and goals: Before diving headfirst into a long-term project, take a moment to ponder your personal values and aspirations. Make sure your project aligns with what truly matters to you. If it does, you're more likely to stay committed and engaged in the long haul.
Assess potential outcomes: Put on your thinking cap and imagine the possible outcomes of your long-term project. Will it lead to personal growth, career advancement, or improved well-being? Weighing the potential benefits will help you figure out if it's worth the investment of time and effort.
Prioritize projects: Let's face it—we can't do it all! So when you're juggling multiple long-term projects, it's crucial to prioritize. Identify which projects will have the most significant impact on your life, and focus on those first. The others can wait their turn!
Flexibility and adaptability: As much as we'd like to believe we have it all figured out, life has a knack for throwing curve balls. Embrace the need for flexibility and adaptability when it comes to your long-term projects. Circumstances, interests, or goals may change, and that's okay.
Break projects into smaller milestones: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your long-term projects. Break them down into smaller milestones to make them more manageable and help you feel accomplished throughout the journey. Setting intermediate goals will help you track your progress and keep your motivation alive.
With these pointers in mind, you'll be better equipped to choose and commit to long-term projects that truly align with your values and goals. So buckle up, and enjoy the ride
By focusing on prioritizing projects for long-term success, you can make significant strides in tackling your unfinished projects.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, "Embracing the Human Condition – The Art of Tackling Unfinished Projects," where we'll discuss breaking down tasks for manageable progress. Together, we'll explore strategies to help you stay on track and achieve your goals.