Starting any big project, be it writing a book or regular blog posts takes time and commitment. Often, this new project leads to great success in the first few weeks; your writing is flowing, ideas are coming thick and fast and you’re wondering why people get stuck. It’s like your fingers can’t keep up with your genius. But alas, as quickly as that eagerness grabbed you, apathy creeps in. A missed writing day here an article not written there and before you know it, the big project has taken a back seat and your momentum comes to a grinding halt.
You’ve hit the first hurdle of ‘New Project Syndrome.’
This is where you need to boost your motivation and use ‘The Power of Why’ to keep you going.
What do I mean by ‘New Project Syndrome’? Well, it’s a common phenomenon which happens when you start anything new. You get swept up with the novelty of it all, especially if you require new stuff (I’m guilty of buying new notebooks, pens, highlighters etc.) but all too quickly the eagerness dissolves and progress stops –think January the 12th or ‘quitters day’; the day most people give up their new year’s resolution– leaving you feeling demoralised and a failure. In fact, sometimes we can feel so guilty about not making any progress we dismiss the idea entirely, file it under ‘tried but didn’t work’ and never come back to it.
This is a mistake!
It’s okay to have a setback. In fact, think of setbacks as powerful momentum to stride forwards.
How? Try this…
Sit down and write out the reasons why you started the big project in the first place:
- What was it that gave you inspiration?
- Why did you want to achieve it?
- What were your expectations?
- Why was it important to you?
These answers hold powerful motivators and you need to be reminded of them by the bucket load to get your mojo back.
The problem with long-term projects is that we don’t see short-term results. Just like you can’t lose 2 stone in a week, or write a book in two, it sets you up with a psychological obstacle. We’ve grown to want (and get) instant results. Waiting doesn’t really have to happen anymore. We can buy pretty much anything and get it within 24 hours. But the same doesn’t apply to long-term projects. These DO take time and you have to regulate your markers of progress so that you stay in control of your motivation.
Small steps forwards are still steps forward. Don’t dismiss these – as they add up to one big achievement.
If you know a project is going to take you 3 months, then set up small easy win goals to tick off along your journey. Mix it up too so it’s not always the same thing you’re working on. One big booster for my clients is mocking up their book cover. As soon as they see their book looking like a book, they have a sudden resurgence for getting it finished. Could you do the same for your big project?
Here are your quick tips to keep your motivation high when it’s at a low:
- Reframe your mindset and use the power of your ‘why’ to help.
- Revisit the reason’s why you started ‘it’ in the first place.
- Set up mini victory goals that you can tick off.
- Do something different in your project (if possible make it visible, like a book cover, or something similar.)
- Don’t allow a setback to give you an excuse to stop. Recognise that for what it is and use it to propel you forwards.
- Get help from someone that can push you towards your goal.
- Re-read this article if you find yourself less motivated!
Stating new projects can be relatively easy, but staying on track and motivated can be hard if you haven’t set up some good systems to keep yourself on track. Remember, you are human, and setbacks are inevitable – but recognise them for what they are and get yourself over them. Revisit your reasons why you started in the first place and use this as your key motivational tool to get you through your slump.
If necessary ask for help to get back on track.
Speaking of help – if you’ve been thinking of writing a book, but don’t know where to start, I have a fantastic planning session that walks you through the entire process. I’m about to increase the price, (First thing Monday) but if you want to jump on the deal now you can then have the call whenever suits you. Just follow this link to the details (scroll to book planning session), and then simply click on the Buy Now button below. I’ll be in touch to do the rest.
Writing a book has never been easier and with my help, it’ll practically write it itself! Grab my planning call now… before I put up the price on Monday at 9am.
Great blog Alexa – so true. I particularly like the idea of breaking it down to single steps, which are easy and still keep you moving.
It reminds me of Ranulph Fiennes when he was asked about walking across the Antarctic alone. He said that the task is so vast it is terrifying to contemplate. He only ever thinks about the next step he needs to take, then the next, then the next. A few months later he reaches the other side.
Thanks Nick. The ‘Power of Why’ really can spur us on when we hit a wall.