How many times have you started a project but you become distracted or overwhelmed and just don’t complete it? Maybe you avoid completing the task or give it minimal effort and end up turning in, a fair or not so good project. You may find yourself feeling as if you failed or you feel guilty because you let other people down. You may start doubting your abilities which makes it even harder to complete other tasks. After while your work performance can suffer and the feelings of self-doubt will carry over into your personal relationships. The lack of motivation and poor performance can cost you a promotion, bonus, or the job you really wanted. Plus, who wants to be around someone who is a slacker at work? When you find tasks to be challenging or boring don’t give up or quit. Be persistent and persevere until the task is complete. Not sure how to get past the blocks when they occur? Here are a few suggestions to keep you moving forward.
Commit to finish what you’ve started. Remember why you set out to do this project or task in the first place. Will this task assist with the growth of your business? Is it an assignment for that can lead towards a bonus or promotion? Will completing this project benefit your family? Keep the big picture in mind knowing what the end result will be. Making a commitment to the overall goal serves as motivation to help you stay focused and complete the task. It may seem like you will never reach the goal but just remind yourself to keep pushing forward. If you stay working consistently toward your goal, chances are good you’ll eventually accomplish it.
Set mini-goals. You can stay motivated by setting mini-goals. Mini-goals allow you to see small achievements along the way to achieving the larger goal. You will feel good as you see the project come together and also gain momentum. For example, when you decide you are finally going to take the vacation you always wanted to and know you need to save so much money to make the trip happen you can set a goal to save so much money each month. As you check your account balance and you actually see you saved the money, there is a higher chance you will be successful. The next month you can set a new goal to save even more.
Take a step back. Take a moment to assess how far you have come with the project, acknowledging the work that you have completed thus far. Doing so, will motivate you to continue moving forward seeing the project through to the end. Every step you complete brings you one step closer to the goal.
Ask for help if you need it. Being stuck on a project at work or at home can be frustrating. When you find yourself struggling, do not hesitate to seek assistance, possibly from your co-workers, peers or a mentor. This will allow you to continue moving forward with the project. You will avoid generating feelings of annoyance, frustration, and disappointment in your performance. You will move forward with renewed interest in your project.
Stay Positive. Having a positive mindset will make it easier for you to tackle the project and get it done. The one thing you can control is your mindset and you can choose whether or not you face the task with a positive or negative attitude. No matter how difficult the task may become, embrace the positive and stay focused on the ultimate outcome.
As you work towards achieving your goal, know that you may have to change things along the way. The tasks you outlined may need to be adjusted. Your goal may even change and that’s okay. Do not let this discourage you. Stay focused, with a positive mindset and you will make it to the finish line. Once you reach the finish line, don’t forget to celebrate! Here’s to your success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching coaching, organizational training, personality assessments and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Find out more at https://infinitycoaching.net