|
|
|
Time Management Strategies
Too Many Unfinished Projects? 7 Time Management
Strategies to Move Stalled Projects to Finish Line
By Cathy Goodwin
Q. I have several projects going at once -- but I never seem to finish
them! I'm pulled in so many different directions -- and I end up with
nothing to show for my efforts!
A. While you're in a creative mode, you're most likely to be swamped
with ideas! Feeling swamped can be a source of stress. Here's how to
deal with the "too many to finish" challenge.
(1) Stop berating yourself for not finishing a project. Instead, say,
"I don't feel ready to move in that direction. I'll write down the idea
and file it away for the future."
(2) Tell a story about what would happen if you finished each project.
"Susan finished all her art projects and..." You may be surprised what
comes up. One client resisted finishing a book because she dreaded
getting a slew of rejections from agents. Another resisted applying for
jobs because she dreaded spending eight hours chained to a desk.
(3) Review your finances. If you're desperate to finish these projects
to make money, fear may be blocking your intuition. You'll have trouble
thinking clearly and setting priorities.
On the other hand, if you don't need the work, you may not be
motivated. Some people need a certain amount of pressure to get moving.
(4) List up to three goals that you'd like to accomplish in the next
six months, even if you do nothing else. Some people need to focus on a
single goal or they get hopelessly distracted. However, others
(including most gifted adults) are multi-taskers, who aren't happy
unless they're juggling several balls in the air.
(5) Study the market for each project you are considering. Once you've
identified your target customers and the need you'll be meeting -- and
made sure people will pay for what you offer -- you'll realize whether
moving forward makes sense.
(6) File each new idea in a computer or paper folder or set up an "idea
board" near your desk. As you think of ways to flesh out an idea, add
notes to each folder. Give each idea time to mature. Some will fade
away on their own; others will ripen into exciting opportunities.
(7) Create a strong support system, even if you have to hire a
consultant or coach. As Julia Cameron wrote in The Artist's Way, the
notion of solitary creativity is nothing but a stereotype. Writers,
artists, business owners and professionals need opportunities to talk
about their progress. They need to feel someone cares about what
they're doing and believes in them.
In my experience, access to a support network tends to be the single
greatest source of success in any field.
I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy.
About The Author
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business
consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a
Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.
"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change"
mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com
Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294
Learn about...
Raise Your Value…
Don’t think your time is worth that much? Don’t base it purely on what others have valued it at –. . .
|
|
