Longer-term projects can seem to go on FOR-EVER. I know, I know. My clients know this too! Projects involving creating or re-branding websites, prepping for interns or assistants, planning classes or events, setting up vendor booths, and consistently getting the word out about your products or services can feel overwhelming.
I don’t want you feeling overwhelmed when you are behind the scenes working from home. Instead, I’d like to help you feel peaceful and in total control as you take the steps to grow your business.
So, I’m going to share one of my oldest FOCUS secrets that’s included in the e-book “Create A Brand New Way to Get Things Done!”:
Pick ONE day per week, each week, to spend a few hours working on longer-term projects.
Some additional tips are:
If your project does not have a deadline, then put one on it.
Pick the one day per week that you can dedicate your time working on your priority projects each week.
Are you thinking…
“But Melody, what if I don’t have time to spread a project out and work on it one day per week? My deadline is already upon me!!!”
If this is the case, then please clear your workspace and get busy! Remove all distractions anytime you are working on a project, so you can be laser-focused on what you are doing and not waste time. Pick some times on a daily basis or just a few days this week where you can get your priority project done.
CAUTION: I caution you to not completely neglect everything else that needs to be done around your home. Neglecting things can lead to major distraction, a bad case of anxiety or overwhelm, and possibly lower your self-confidence. (next week, I’ll talk more about neglecting things…because yes, there’s a time for neglect in your personal environment since you are running a business from home. I want to explain how to do it and how you can recover from it quickly.)
The reason I suggest focusing on a priority project for a few hours at a time, at least one day per week is because you’ll be putting some distance between your longer-term priority projects.
This distance away from your project provides some time and space for the project to evolve into a piece of art, so to speak. Each time you come back to focus on your project, then you can more easily identify what is in alignment with the goal of your project and move forward, or identify when you’ve gone off track and make necessary changes to course correct.
It may seem like it takes longer to complete a project when you are focusing on it one day per week, but its been my experience that the end results are ten times better and make a much bigger impact.
P.S. If you don’t want to miss the tips in the next article I publish, then enter your name and email in the boxes at the upper right column. You’ll be notified when the new tips are available, plus you’ll also receive the gift mentioned!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey there, Melody! I especially love your tip about putting artificial deadlines on projects… this has worked wonders for me, though deadlines tend to pressure me up.
I can’t wait to hear your advice about neglect. I often let entropy do my housework, which means my environment is cluttered and dusty. Drives me crazy. Looking forward to it!
Evelyn | Marketing the Intangible´s last [type] ..Free Webinar: Express Your Business Story Through Case Studies
Hi Evelyn!
The advice on neglect is now up! The link is below. Hope it helps with the entropy! (I had to look up the definition of that word!)
Have a great week!
Melody
Melody´s last [type] ..When to Neglect Your Space & How to Recover From It Gracefully
Hey Melody!
It works the best for me if I ask my assistant to put a deadline for me. Otherwise I can drag projects on forever. It’s so strange, but having her put the items on my calendar and knowing that I’ll have to let her know whether or not I complete what I’m supposed to, works amazingly well for me. I haven’t been great with sticking to the 1 day/ week for long term projects. I usually end up scheduling a day to work on the long term stuff, but ditching the long term stuff for stuff more immediately pressing. I know I should make myself stick to the plan.
Have fun in NY!!
Helloooo Cassie!
Sounds like another person brings the accountability factor to you and you respond very well with it.
My question to you is…what has worked in the past for long-term projects? Forcing yourself to stick to a plan may cause more dread, than anything. Perhaps remembering why it’s important to complete the long-term project will help motivate you into action. Or simply, do one small item per week to get you closer and closer to the end result. It may take longer, but not as long as it will take if you don’t ever work on it.
Upstate NY is absolutely gorgeous! I may move there ;-D (just kidding) But, I will visit again.