Like most people, you probably have projects you’ve started and not finished. It might be that you lost interest, or something else happened that you needed to take care of first. Or it could be that you need help to complete the project, it’s harder than you expected, it’s costly, or you’re not really sure what to do with it next. Fortunately, there are ways you can get things done and complete those projects that have been sitting around. Here are some ideas to help.
1. Was Your Bar Set Too High?
If you set the bar higher than what’s realistic, you could find that the project isn’t getting done because you aren’t sure how to complete it. To have a better idea of what needs to get done next, you can break your task down into smaller steps and focus on just one thing at a time. Determine how you want the finished project to look, and then work your way backward to where you are now. Do one small thing, and then build on that with the next part of the project.
2. Don’t Dwell on the Negatives
Sure, it can be frustrating if things don’t go as planned. Maybe a part of your project didn’t turn out the way you’d hoped, or it has to be redone. But that’s not really a big problem. You can get past setbacks, and make sure the project comes out the way you’d like it to, even if it’s been a long time since you’ve started on it. Give yourself praise for the things you’ve done right and how far you’ve already come. While you’re at it, make sure to celebrate your successes when you complete parts of your project.
3. Feeling Overwhelmed Can Make Things Difficult
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your project and aren’t sure how to pick it back up again, you can get some help from friends or family members. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be ashamed of needing assistance. A lot of people work on projects together, and you don’t have to know how to do everything yourself. That’s really what friends and family are for. They’ll probably be happy to help you. Doing a project together is also a great way to make important memories with people you care about, and get your task completed faster at the same time.
4. Does Your Project Have a Due Date?
Most DIY projects don’t have a due date. You may have imposed one on yourself or set a timeline of when you’d like to get things done, but that’s not quite the same as having an official deadline. While you don’t really need a deadline and can find that having one causes stress, you should also consider creating a timeline so you can have a plan for completing your project. Seeing it move toward completion in a way that works for you and your goals can really help.
5. Do the Right Research on Your Project
If you’re not sure how to complete a part of your project, and that’s why it’s been sitting for so long, it could be that you just need some guidance. Maybe someone has gotten stuck on the same type of task, and has figured out how to get past it. Try looking online for how-to guides and tutorials from people who are working on the same type of project you’re completing. The more you seek out DIY information from other people, the easier it can be for you to get past a sticking point and get your project done.
Remember, you probably stopped working on your project because you got stuck on something along the way. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck. You can get your project moving again when you find the right kind of help. Whether that’s a tutorial online or a friend or family member getting involved, help can be just what you need to complete that project. You’ll feel better when it’s all done, and then you can use or admire whatever it was you were trying to create.
You don’t have to settle for a collection of half-finished projects when you have some time to get things done. Set yourself a goal and a reasonable timeline, and then go after the things you really want to conquer so you can accomplish the important projects in your life.
