If you often find yourself struggling to complete projects that you have started, then this article is for you. Finding motivation can indeed be a big challenge for many. However, if quitting becomes a pattern, it is time to take a step back and reconsider where you are going wrong.
Here are some tips that can help you complete any project you start.
1. Estimate the Resources and Time
One of the main reasons why we all tend to leave things halfway is because we underestimated how much effort the project would take. And when things start getting difficult, the easier option might be just to quit.
However, the smart approach would be to do some research before getting started. For instance, if you are a student working on an essay, you do not want to pick a topic blindly. Instead, you should find out whether the topic is interesting enough and can make for a good essay. Or else you might find yourself procrastinating.
Fortunately, there are platforms such as WritePaper that can help you complete an essay at the last minute. However, with other aspects, such as work, or even a personal project, you might not be able to find an easy solution. With most hobbies or plans, the initial research doesn’t have to be exhaustive. You can do a quick Internet search and make a mental note of all the important points, so you will be clear about what to expect once you commence the journey.
2. Be Selective
A bit of research would give you the right understanding of what you need to accomplish and what you need to do to attain the goal. With this clarity, you might want to be selective about what you take on.
To give an example, when a new year arrives, we all get too excited and start with a number of resolutions. And by the end of the first week, we might drop a couple of them. So, why not just start with one or two that you know you can absolutely finish?
This will make it easier to divide your focus, keep yourself motivated, and finally complete the project.
3. Try not to be a Perfectionist
Well, for many people, this is easier said than done. You might have this powerful urge to get everything right, down to every detail. While this can be a good trait in many conditions, sometimes, it might also prevent you from getting things done.
If this is the case, try to do a draft version first. This will allow you the opportunity to go easy on yourself the first time. Moreover, you need not get everything right with the draft, so you are likely to complete it, giving you a sense of completion.
4. Choose Something That you Really Enjoy
Perhaps the easiest way to complete something you started is to do something you absolutely enjoy. This is the reason why game-based learning strategies tend to be more effective for students, as they are focused on enjoying the activity, and the learning part is secondary to them. Nevertheless, the end result is the same, sometimes even better than simply reading from a book.
Of course, not every project you have to take on might be suited to your taste. But if you are doing something that excites you, the chances are you will want to complete it. For example, if you are a student who wants to start streaming to make some additional income, opt for a niche that you are also interested in – rather than focusing on the audience.
In addition to this, you should also give yourself some flexibility. Some parts of the project might be harder for you, whereas others might interest you. If the project doesn’t require you to complete each step in a specific order, start with the one that you find most appealing. This way, you won’t feel too hesitant to get started.
5. Breakdown the Task
Another way to approach a lack of motivation is not to look at the task as a whole, which might make things overwhelming. Instead, break down the project into simple steps. So, at a time, the task at hand would be small and easy to accomplish.
This will also help you budget your time accordingly. Moreover, as you complete each step, you will feel accomplished.
6. Reward Yourself
Tracking your progress is important when you start something new. You might feel that you haven’t done anything at all, but then you can check your track record and understand how much you have actually done or how far you have come.
It is also crucial to acknowledge your accomplishments, however tiny they are. You can use any means of rewarding yourself, and this can help motivate you even further.
7. Take Breaks
If your motivation is slipping, the first step is to take a break. Sometimes, you might just need to distance yourself from the project and get some fresh air. You can also read some productivity blogs or watch videos to motivate yourself during the break.
And then, when you get back to the project, you might be able to get a new perspective and might even find yourself more excited. Sometimes the break might be a few minutes, or on some occasions, you might need a couple of days to clear your head.
8. Don’t Push too Hard
Sometimes, you might just happen to lose interest in the goal. After all, we are humans, and our interests and priorities tend to change. If you have tried all our tips above and still don’t feel motivated, then you might want to rethink the goal.
Is there any specific reason that you are doing this project? If it was purely out of the interest you had when you started, you might want to reconsider whether you should spend your energy and time on something you don’t enjoy. On the other hand, if the project is part of an improvement plan, then go back to the top of our list, and try things again. You might just get it right the second time.
