Compliments of TheDigitalArtist via Pixabay
How easily do we give up when the slightest obstacle gets in our way?
Giving up, throwing in the towel, flailing our hands when what we undertake looms large impedes our progress. We may feel cowed because we bit off more than we could chew, instead of chunking larger projects into manageable pieces. Project management software that helps us visually see our progress is a visceral way to keep our hands on the pulse of our progress.
Even if we do not make as much headway as we would like, making some progress inches our way toward the finish line. Admitting defeat, sans effort, is an insult to our capability, grit, and sense of determination. Perhaps a lack of self-confidence is what’s fueling our inertia. “I can” self-talk, small gestures that imbue invincibility are ways to put one foot in front of the other—increments of little by little, baby steps that amount to big progress when they are tallied over time.
Scheduling time to work on projects each day is what keeps our motor running and what strengthens our resolve. Milestones along the way help us to realize the progress we’ve made. Given this vantage point, we might wish that we would have started that class, training, or college degree earlier—because we would be so much closer to our finish line. Placing a check box next to measurable progress focuses our attention, buoys us, keeps us moving forward.
Patience develops with effort. It is in short supply in cultures where at the click of a mouse, we expect to see results. The perfect time for something to coagulate may not be in accord with our short and speedy expectation, but instead may occur over the horizon, where multiple parts merge into a whole.
How then to cultivate confidence during the process?
- Block out time each day. This may involve eliminating distractions like the Internet, TV, and constant checking of our cell phones and devices. Cell Phone Usage Stats reports that Americans check their phones about 200 times per day.
- Take breaks. Continuous work drains our batteries, making it more likely that we’ll feel exhausted, increasing the likelihood that we will make mistakes—which may delay us from achieving our goals. The Pomodoro technique suggests working for 25 minutes without interruption, then taking a five-minute break—and after four “Pomodoros” taking a longer break.
- Talk to someone you consider a cheerleader. This person celebrates your wins, encourages you when stalling occurs or seems imminent, and behaves as a source of unwavering support. They hold you accountable and nudge you toward the finish line.
- Promise yourself a reward: at the end of this project, I’m going to schedule a trip! The destination could be local for a smaller project, or something on a grand scale if your achievement took several years to complete.
The bottom line is that we can do an exemplary job at whatever we undertake if we take small steps, keep moving, and check our work along the way.
Related posts:
Recent Comments