{"id":7804,"date":"2011-11-07T23:42:00","date_gmt":"2011-11-08T07:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=7804"},"modified":"2013-09-13T13:47:09","modified_gmt":"2013-09-13T21:47:09","slug":"how-to-stay-motivated-on-big-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/how-to-stay-motivated-on-big-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Stay Motivated on Big Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When you\u2019re working on something big, you often start off with great intentions … only to find your motivation gradually slipping away.<\/span><\/h1>\n

Whether you\u2019re studying for a qualification, tackling a mammoth project at work, or writing a book in your spare time, you\u2019re only going to succeed if you can stay motivated<\/strong>. (That\u2019s particularly true of goals where you haven\u2019t got a boss\/parent\/mentor checking up on you…)<\/p>\n

So, here\u2019s how to keep going:<\/p>\n

Step #1: Break Your Project into Small Chunks<\/h2>\n

If you get a little way towards your goal then flounder, there\u2019s a good chance that you\u2019ve not broken your project into sensible chunks or milestones.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, your project is already segmented for you \u2013 for instance, if you\u2019re studying a degree program, you\u2019ll have a certain number of classes that you need to take in order to graduate. You might want to create a list of these and put it in a prominent place, so you can cross off each one as you complete it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Other times, you<\/em> need to come up with meaningful divisions. Maybe you\u2019re trying to write a book. Your \u201cchunks\u201d could be individual sections or chapters \u2013 or specific pieces of research that you need to complete.<\/p>\n

Do it:<\/strong> Even if you\u2019re not sure of all<\/em> the steps to get to your goal, write down the next five major ones. You might want to add a deadline \u2013 make it a bit challenging, but realistic.<\/p>\n

Step #2: Take the Time to Learn \u2013 and Implement<\/h2>\n

Whatever your goal is, you\u2019ll get there faster if you spend some time learning<\/em> things that can help you. And the more you learn, the more confidence (and hence motivated) you\u2019ll be.<\/p>\n