Procrastination is really the biggest culprit when it comes to completing a long term project, and sometimes it may even be at fault for our inability to complete simple chores or activities. In fact, I believe procrastination is the result of not having our hearts and souls set on the task at hand because the task may seem boring or too time consuming – or we just simply don’t like it. For instance, when we don’t get to write the school paper on the subject of our choice; handle the interesting and challenging project that was assigned to someone else it the office; or are faced with a long term project that looks like it will take forever to complete.
So, how do you organize yourself so that you can complete that long term project efficiently and in a timely manner? The answer to that is to first put things into perspective and prioritize. Not only prioritize the steps you must take in order to see that project through from beginning to end, but first and foremost, prioritize it along with everything else that is going on in your life, so that this long term project will be high, if not on top, of your priority list.
Let’s start by putting things into perspective – you know, making sure that “the project” is high on your priority list of things to do. Literally, make a list of the things that must be accomplished, keeping in mind that your focus is on completing the project. By putting it in writing, you now have something tangible to refer to rather than just having a mental list of all the things you must do. When it is all in your mind, it becomes overwhelming, but when you write it down, you can put things into perspective and it will actually not seem so bad. Here is how this list is going to come about:
• Start by looking at your project’s due date – when is the project due in relation to today’s date? See how much time you have to complete the project on time. Write the due date on a calendar.
• Then take a look and evaluate all the other things that you have to do–not want to do. When are all those other things that have to be done, due? Can they wait until after your project is done?
• Those tasks that can wait put on a separate list. You can go back to them at a later date, once your project has been completed, thereby holding yourself accountable for completing those tasks as well – but later.
• Go back to the tasks that cannot wait and give them a due date (if a due date doesn’t already exist) and put them on your calendar. Putting due dates on a calendar, preferably a wall calendar or desk calendar, will give you a good quick visual of what you have to do and by when.
• At this point you are ready to make your list of things you need to do, with your project being your biggest priority. Start by placing the task with the closest due date first and work your way down.
Once you have completed this exercise, the next one will not seem so bad. First of all, you are going to commit to the project. Whether you are doing it by choice or because it has been assigned to you – commit to it. Try to look for the positive side of completing this project and forge ahead with a positive attitude and you will see how much easier it will be to complete. So, we are now going to look at how you can prioritize the tasks involved in completing the project in an organized fashion and in a manner that won’t make completing this project so overwhelming:
• Start by breaking down the project into stages. Your sense of accomplishment every time you complete a stage will give you the inspiration and encouragement you need to move on to the next stage, until you are done.
• After you break down the project in stages, evaluate each stage and try to estimate how long it will take you to complete each of those stages. Keeping in mind that you have a deadline to meet you will need to be realistic in allocating the time so that you can stay on track.
• Now, go back to your “handy-dandy” calendar where you prioritized all your tasks and start “plugging in” time slots to be dedicated solely to the completion of this project – one stage at a time. If time permits, allow yourself some “play time”; that way you won’t feel like ”it is all work and no “play.”
• Most importantly, as you complete each task, cross it out on your calendar and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and success as you get ready to move on to the next task at hand.
All this sounds good and very encouraging, and it works. But even if you prioritize, it will not work unless you stick to it. No prioritizing or scheduling in the world will help you unless you commit to the project and see it through completion – with a positive attitude!
Guiding thoughts, guiding words, for guiding minds . . . .
