I’m quite sure most of you have tried to embark on starting a personal project but was stopped in your tracks at how seemingly tough the journey ahead looked. Yeah, you have the right to feel that way but should still go ahead and climb that hill. It doesn’t always have to be as hard as you think.
Whether it’s learning a language, starting a business, or finally writing that book, most ambitious personal undertakings can be difficult to kick-start.
Remember What Your Motivation Is.
To be sustainable, a personal project typically demands a high level of both excitement and interest. It’s critical for this to extend to the process, not just the end result. Loving something obviously doesn’t make it easy but it in the tough times, your personal fascination will keep you going.
Dissect it into manageable Components
Dismantle the concept into smaller, more manageable components. It's easier to do it throughout the week in small chunks because it doesn't feel as daunting as it is to sit down and do it all at once.
Test that Idea
Until you put that idea to test, it’s often hard to know how much you actually care about something!
Do you have the time?
Most of the time, these projects look good in theory. Scrap it, they always look good. But when it comes to reality, it becomes a real commitment that requires a lot of time. For some people, devoting those hours is doable and worth it. For others, it’s a recipe for burnout.
In essence, before you take on a big project, audit pre-existing commitments, including work, sleep, family obligations, social activities, and leisure time.
If after accounting for all that, you still have enough space in your schedule to commit, then go ahead.
Get feedback
Because creative personal projects are often solo endeavors, it’s easy to feel isolated when you get stuck. There’s no rule saying you can’t involve other people. Share your project with someone or a few people. Each person provides a unique perspective and, crucially, a layer of accountability.
Be Consistent
No matter the end goal, find a way to incorporate the craft into your routine. Not all projects require such rigid output, but without getting in the habit of regularly working, it’s hard to make meaningful progress.