Is there such a thing as project ADD? If so, I’ve got it! Probably had it all my life. I remember when I was little my mom saying I always start things, but never finish them. I see that in my adult life now as I look in my office with piles of writing and marketing related projects. In my hallway outside my daughter’s room is a declutter project underway, in the laundry room clothes are waiting to be ironed, in the craft room is a half finished scrapbook project, and in my computer is a lonely WIP I have yet to pick up again after 8 months of marketing, freelance writing, and teaching. Oh, and did I mention the novella I’m trying to write for Christmas?
So many things cluttering my mind waiting to be finished. So WHY do I do this? Why do I start projects and bounce around from one to the other? Why can’t I just focus on ONE and plow away until it’s done? And more importantly how can I battle this project ADD? Here are some of my thoughts, but I desperately want to know yours!
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” Mark Twain
No Deadline
When I was a news editor for my college paper, I had a weekly deadline. I also a full class schedule and was chaplain to about 30 girls. So how did I do it? Late nights barely making curfew, catch up homework on weekends with very little social life, but the news section still came out on time because I had a deadline.
Just last this month I turned in two freelance articles on deadline even though it seemed like I waited until the last minute to write them because of all the other pressing things in my life. I learned while pressure is not something I love, it does help me finish projects.
Tip: If you don’t have a specific deadline give yourself one and stick to it.
No To Do List
I know when I make a To Do list I spend less time on social media “marketing” and more time crossing things off my list. So why don’t I do it more often? Part of me thinks it might take too much energy or time, but in reality, it helps clear my mind and be more focused to accomplish the important things, thus saving me time.
Sometimes I make a To Do list while I’m exercising. I guess the boredom of the repetition on the spin bike makes my mind wander. Thankfully, I have my phone near by and can send myself emails. Some say you should make a To Do list the night before, others say in the morning when your mind is fresh. I guess it doesn’t really matter as long as it gets done. This is one area I want to improve in. Maybe I should put it on my To Do list!
Tip: I have a To Do three ring binder (I need to start using again.) It’s where I keep all my ongoing projects. When ever I think of something else I need to do on a project, I write it down in the correct section. With a resource like this, I should never get off task!
No Motivation
Let’s face it, without clear goals, how can I have the motivation to accomplish anything? Yet, even with clear goals it’s not necessarily a given the task will get done. For example, I’ve needed to weed through homeschool curriculum and take it down to the local homeschool consignment shop, but there hasn’t been a rush. Now with my dad coming for his first ever visit to my home, I need to get the homeschool room/guest room in order. That means declutter! And my dad’s visit is great motivation!
Tip: Reevaluate your goals and even prioritize things you want to do in your personal and professional life.
Boredom
When a project takes too long or gets stalled, I get bored. That’s when I look for another project which isn’t always a terrible thing. For example, when I get stalled in a writing project and need a break from the computer, I try and do some laundry or clean my office. I’m still being focused and productive, but if I start gravitating toward Facebook without a plan, then it might be two hours later.
Tip: Make a To Do list that has different types of projects and plan for down time. If you like to be on Facebook when you get bored, then put it on your To Do list and set a time limit.
I know I will never be cured of my project ADD, but if I remember the things that trip me up and prepare for them, I know I can be more productive.
How about you? How do you battle your project list and what do you do to keep on task?
