How to Take Your Stalled Projects to the Finish Line

Q. I have several projects going at once -- but I never seem to finish them! I'm pulled in so many different directions -- and I end up with nothing to show for my efforts!

A. While you're in a creative mode, you're most likely to be swamped with ideas! Most people have too few ideas or too many. Here's how to deal with the "too many to finish" challenge.

(1) Stop berating yourself for not finishing a project. Instead, say, "I don't feel ready to move in that direction. I'll write down the idea and file it away for the future."

(2) Tell a story about what would happen if you finished each project. "Susan finished all her art projects and..." You may be surprised what comes up. One client resisted finishing a book because she dreaded getting a slew of rejections from agents. Another resisted applying for jobs because she dreaded spending eight hours chained to a desk.

(3) Review your economic situation. If you're desperate to finish these projects to make money, fear may be blocking your intuition. You'll have trouble thinking clearly and setting priorities.

On the other hand, if you don't need the work, you may not be motivated. Some people need a certain amount of pressure to get moving.

(4) List up to three goals that you'd like to accomplish in the next six months, even if you do nothing else. Some people need to focus on a single goal or they get hopelessly distracted. However, others (including most gifted adults) are multi-taskers, who aren't happy unless they're juggling several balls in the air.

(5) Study the market for each project you are considering. Once you've identified your target customers and the need you'll be meeting -- and made sure people will pay for what you offer -- you'll realize whether moving forward makes sense.

(6) File each new idea in a computer or paper folder or set up an "idea board" near your desk. As you think of ways to flesh out an idea, add notes to each folder. Give each idea time to mature. Some will fade away on their own; others will ripen into exciting opportunities.

(7) Create a strong support system, even if you have to hire a consultant or coach. As Julia Cameron wrote in The Artist's Way, the notion of solitary creativity is nothing but a stereotype. Writers, artists, business owners and professionals need opportunities to talk about their progress. They need to feel someone cares about what they're doing and believes in them.

In my experience, this lack of a support network tends to be the single greatest source of success in any field.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First Steps to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com "Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com Contact: mailto:cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

---

No Regrets

MY FOUR-MINUTE DANCING CAREERA few years ago, I decided to... Read More

Do You Know Which Door To Open?

Do you remember that old television program that gave the... Read More

Success: Its Really Pretty Simple

From the 'What You Need to Succeed' SeriesEvery once in... Read More

Top 4 Reasons Women Ride The ?Emotional Roller-Coaster?

1. Women have learned and are in the habit of... Read More

Ten Sure-Fire Rules To Put Old On Hold By At Least 25 Years

Would you like to feel and function like age 40... Read More

Harnessing the Power of the Unknown: Move from Repeating the Past to Re-inventing the Future

The Unknown - it is scary territory for many, something... Read More

Breaking Through Resistance

Why is it that every time you start something new,... Read More

You Want Me to Do What?

Most of the time whenever we need to make an... Read More

What Makes You Special?

Many people are too busy today trying to fit themselves... Read More

After the Storm......

Have you ever wondered why is it that after we... Read More

Change - The Skill Of Adapting To The Inevitable

Change your thoughts and you change your world. -Norman Vincent... Read More

Choosing Your Vision

There is a new television show, called Blind Justice that... Read More

How To Deal With Denial

Denial is a coping mechanism commonly used when something happens... Read More

Unleash Your Unlimited Power

Your Non-Conscious Mind is 98% of your full power. Your... Read More

Your Dream Can Be Your Future

Here is a basic truth you must accept and believe... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management - Motivation

Motivation in creativity and innovation is more important than personality... Read More

Are You Ready To Make A Strong Finish?

Talk about a strong finish! In their inspiring story of... Read More

Motivation - The Power of Drive

My experience tells me there are three stages people go... Read More

Playing With Mindfulness: Sneaking In The Back Door

I often meet people who say things like, "I've been... Read More

Create Your Destiny - How Massive Action Can Determine Your Destiny!

We often hear that "Knowledge is Power". Is it really... Read More

Life Doesnt Have A Sell By Date

Or does it?Best on or before?.. Nearly everything we touch... Read More

Are You Still Stuck on Still?

Are you still "stuck on still?" If so, don't let... Read More

Finding Motivation: What To Do When You Dont Feel Like Doing Anything

"The measure of your success usually comes down to who... Read More

4 Simple Ways To Get Over Your Need For Acceptance... And Get On With Your Life

Imagine what your life would be like if you could... Read More

Get Negativity Out Of Your Life!

They say that the way to have a positive attitude... Read More

Whats Stopping You?

We're all familiar with the cycle:We want new, but resist... Read More

How To Win Over Your Fears

If you really want to do something you will always... Read More

10 Easy Ways To Stop Procrastinating

It is counterproductive to concentrate on so many tasks that... Read More

The Seven Keys to Motivation

Motivation. It's a complicated subject that is studied by many... Read More

Stained Glass Windows

Elizabeth Kubler Ross once said, "People are like stained glass... Read More

Dont Get Hysterical About The Historical

The tension was palpable in the room as I began... Read More

Optimistic Vs Pessimistic

Studies have shown that on average an optimist will have... Read More

Forward Motion

The natural cycle of life is to grow and move... Read More