Whether working on a personal project or completing a huge project for a client, doing a big project can be daunting. Here are a few strategies that you can use to help you not only start a project but finish it without crying all the way to the finish line.
Timing Is Everything
When tackling a big project don’t overlook the first step. This involves considering how long the project will actually take. This is often confused with planning how long you want a project to take but it is not the same thing. Be realistic.
Use this information to map out a timeline to determine how long the project will take. (When working on a business project, it’s helpful to do this before telling a client how quickly it can be done.)
After gaining a lot of planning inspiration from reading the 12 Week Year, I use a yearly planner. I’m old school and have to note things down with a pen and paper. My planner helps me not only plan projects but also to plan my working week, including deadlines. I also include my days off and personal appointments (like going to the dreaded dentist). This prevents me from double booking and helps me plan a realistic timeline.
Snacks
To prevent projects from being daunting, take work snacks.
At the beginning of a project, set your alarm for just 20 minutes. Work for the allotted time and take a break. Repeat this two or three times. After that, you would have completed enough work for the task to no longer seem like a mountain.
Once you get into the rhythm, start setting the timer for longer periods to increase productivity.
A Buffer is Your Friend
Sometimes the shortest projects take the longest time so make sure you plan a buffer.
The best example of this is when you go to a furniture shop and buy a simple cupboard. You tell yourself, it looks easy to put together, and you give yourself one hour to finish the task. However, three hours later, you find yourself sitting on the floor, with the instruction manual in one hand while the half-put-together cupboard stares at you.
The same can happen with big projects. We tell a client, I’ll get the project to you in a day and then all of a sudden, we catch a horrible cold, or we need to help our parents with something important.
Setting a buffer for a deadline means if something comes in between you and your project, you still deliver the project on time, avoiding unnecessary stress.
If you want to start and finish a big project, try TSB! Managing your Timing, Snacks and implementing a Buffer will help you see the project for what it really is: a manageable molehill.
Title: Trying to Start and Finish a Big Project? You Need TSB!
Author: Leonie Thomas
Date Published: 10.1.2025
Leonie Thomas 