Getting Started

Getting Started on Projects

Getting started on a project might mean many different things to different people. Pick a simple project and pay attention to the different parts of a project so we can tell what part might be tripping us up or comes easily.

For example, the project has become I’m going to read an hour a day 5 days a week Monday through Friday and I’m going to keep that up until I finish this 6 book series. Already the simple project is decided –a certain amount of time and books until the project is completed. Now to decide when we are going to do that reading; based on my other responsibilities and schedule, I’m going to read from 6:30 – 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, immediately after dinner.

What stopped me from this project before is that I would eat then either to engage in TV or became too tired. It was a wish but never became a goal, never with a plan. When I decided this is really important to me, I also put together a back-up plan. My back-up plan is that I will read from 10:30 – 11:30 before my midnight, so that if anything interferes with the first time frame. On Saturday mornings I will check my daily planner weekly and review. If it’s more than 3 times missed then I will change my reading time to 7:30 – 8:30 am so that I will incur the least amount of interruptions.

It becomes easier to get started on the project with the end result in mind. Also with the back-up and secondary plans already set, if the original project plan becomes cumbersome moving to the alternative plan will be simple. We are also holding ourselves accountable with our Saturday check in. You may find it easier to check in with a trusted friend to ensure completion of the project.
I will know when the project is done when the series is over and I am willing to keep going until it’s finished. Since the project is so well defined I can evaluate weekly and not base it upon pages read. This will keep me on task.
Part of the process is:

1) Define the project, what and time allowed?
2) Obtain the tools necessary for project completion – check out of library or purchase, reading glasses, timer
3) Space to do tasks ~ lights, chairs, background music/noise
4) On calendar so I commit to doing task
5) Assuming I have a day planning system that I use.
6) Do you need to let anyone know that you are busy at this time?
7) Do you need someone to ask you about your goal weekly to stay on task? Is there someone that you would like to meet with and read at the same time? Important to eliminate distractions while you are setting apart time for this task.