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If you’re anything like me, the two sticking points of a project are getting started and getting finished. I know, I know, you’re probably saying “what’s left? that’s everything!” it’s not my intention to be witty here. What I mean to say is that the hardest parts of any project are taking the leap to start the project and to finish the last 5% of any project that I’ve started. Here’s 2 quick things that I find myself TRYING to do so I can at least minimize these firewalls to progress.
- If you’re in a productivity jam, throw quality control out the window so you can get the ball rolling. Too many times, I find myself not doing something because I’m not in the mood / groove to get it perfect. When I just start mind mapping and get something done, it’s easier to start making some progress towards the finish line.
- If the end result of a project is dependent on someone or something else, make sure you get your part of the project to them as soon as possible so THEY (or it) can do the work they need to do and you can get back to doing other things. I personally deal with this one all the time with projects that I either farm out or seek the help of others (DVD production, video digitization for biomechanical analysis, text editing) or things that are computer (but not personal work) intensive (video encoding and encryption, DVD burning, video uploading to video sites like Vimeo and YouTube).
- Try not to take on too many tasks. I’m probably the worst person in the world about this but it’s made me realize that it can hurt as much as it can help. When you overload yourself too much, it’s not good for your health and it makes it difficult to complete what you’ve already got on your plate.