Breaking Things Down
That Task looks Menacing…
I see them all the time and they all feel the same; They are downright intimidating. Whenever I have to deal with some project or goal that requires a huge undertaking and a multiple number of steps and substeps, the first thing I feel is panic. Once I get over that, I try to put in a litte effort to get my feet wet. The problem is, I get little done.
It’s only when I feel a tremendous amount of pressure such as a few days before a deadline I put the pedal to the medal and become totally focused and driven.
If only I could feel like that when I have plenty of time!
Start Small and Finish It!
The solution is rather simple. Find a small part of the project that feels comfortable enough to complete and get it done to the best of your ability.
I had this poster I needed to finish and it was really hard to begin. I didn’t know which area I should start. Finally, I told myself to work one small part of the character’s body and finish it. I felt rusty since I haven’t used the program in awhile, but I eventually got through it. Soon I had momentum and kept working on it each day and I finished it today. I’m sure there will be some revisions here and there, but I’ll deal with it when it comes.
So to sum up:
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When dealing with a large project, make a list of things you need to do.
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Organize the list and create sub-lists
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If this is too annoying to do, work on one small portion and finish it. Then move on to another small area and finish that.
As Brian Tracy would say, “EAT THAT FROG!”
Awesome Tip!
I find that there’s a lot of task that I procrastinate because I have reluctant feelings towards it. I used of, and sometime, still wait for the “OK I have to do it.”. Those “ok i have to do it” time are rare! Usually when my back is up against the wall. But I always notice with myself that I always go threw this moment. Where “I decide” to tackle it.
The solution I found was to set some time in the morning, where I’m at best, dedicated time where “I switch emotion off. and say to myself Yes! this is the the time to do it!”.
After all dreadful task are done. I usually feel relief that comes upon me as i took care of business. So the rest of the week or day is usually not looming with daunting dark task cloud over my head and I can enjoy what i was set off to do that day.
[Reply]
macklc Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I’ll add this: It’s a good idea to do this each day. Get into the habit of overcoming tasks that bug the crap out of you. It’ll be painful for days, weeks even months, but imagine how much more productive you will be and the rewards you will reap. Keep your eye on the prize.
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