Getting 'er Done (BIG Project Tips)

​Distractions and disruptions can mean disaster for big projects! 

Don’t let that happen to you. If you focus on the following three tips, you’ll find you can ditch distractions, diminish the disruptions and delight in what you can accomplish.

I was afraid I wouldn't get it done
​I am working on finishing up my first book. I wrote it in between traveling, speaking, coaching, and teaching as well as my day-to-day tasks of running my business. The fear that I was going to be able to pull it off with such a full schedule prompted me to develop a completion strategy. 

To finish the book amidst potential derailment from everything else going on, I needed to be focused. That meant I had to hone in on the productivity strategies I teach. The book I am writing means too much to me, I could not let it linger on forever. I knew it was time to practice what I preach.

To Do Lists Don't Work
I wish I had known more about this kind of productivity when I was in management. Back then trying to get through proposal writing, preparing for accredited reviews, completing a performance appraisal, or trying in vain to get through an overhaul of our orientation manual meant putting it on my to-do list. The problem was, just because it was on the top of my list didn't mean it was first to get done. My list didn’t help me stay focused. When someone else thought his or her demand of my time was more important, I tended to react to their petition. (read more about ditching ginormous to-do lists)

3 Tips to help complete BIG projects
If you have experienced similar challenges, here are some productivity hacks that will help you out immensely. ​​

​1)    Set aside large chunks of time
Minimally you need to set aside one-hour blocks of time to work on projects. Preferably it should be 2 - 3 hours at a time. It is even better if you can set aside the whole day or two.  Block off the blocks of time in your agenda 

Schedule in the blocks as if they were an appointment. Commit to it just like you would commit to a meeting with a person.

Your brain needs time connect to the work and to sink into it. That takes longer periods of time than we usually give our minds. Deep work requires you to let go of everything else that you’ve been working on and shift your focus solely onto this task. 

When you want to do deep work, you are looking to get into the flow state.  Some people call “in the zone.” When you are in that place, you don’t notice time passing. When you shift to this state, you can be more creative. You have time to let thoughts flow, wander and generate.

2)    Eliminate distractions
Communicate clearly to everyone what you are doing. "I am shutting my door and going to work for 2 hours on this project." Emphasize, “Do not interrupt me!” Repeat your message again and again. Set the boundaries. When someone knocks on your door and asks if they can just ask you a quick question, stick to your guns. “I’ll be done at 11:30 and will be able to answer your question then. If you need assistance before then, please check with Jen.” Be firm. 

The truth is, it is easier to be firm with other people. It’s you that is your biggest enemy. You’re the one who’s the people pleaser. You’re the one who feels guilty if you don’t respond to someone’s request. You will have to work hard to strengthen your willpower and stay focused.  

Your biggest distraction will be your cell phone. Shut it off. Leave it on the other side of the room, or put it outside of your office. Do not having your phone sitting beside you. When your phone is within hands reach, you will automatically check it and get derailed. Commit instead, to checking it at regular intervals such as at the top of every hour or only mid-day and towards the end of the day. 

3)    Master the fundamentals 
There are three basics needs you must take into account when you’re trying to be extremely productive: Eat healthy, move often, sleep well.  

Eat healthy
I don’t need to tell you what eating healthy mean. I will inform you, however, that you should increase your intake of protein. Few people are eating enough protein daily. Protein is brainpower. It fuels your brain and strengthens your willpower. You will need it to get through the big projects.

Move often
Do not sit at your desk for 8 hours straight.  Get up and move your body every 20 minutes. Stretch often. Go for short walks.  Regular movement keeps your body from tightening up. The action also helps to keep the creative juices flowing.

Sleep well
It is critical that you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night at of the best of times. Sleep is even more important when you’re trying to be productive. During the last hour of your day wind down without screens.  That means no computer, phone or TV. Go to bed early. Waking after a solid sleep gives you a fresh start to being productive.

Blocking off large chunks of time and communicating to your team what you are doing is the first component to completing big projects. Don't stop there, though. Stay focused on the project by eliminating the distractions. Remember, you are your worst enemy. Keep the phone and the guilt as far away from you as possible. Eat healthy, move your body and get a good nights sleep. Mastering the basics gives you the edge you need to dig deep and get er' done.

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Kathy is a leadership coach for women who want to strengthen their leadership and find balance in life. She mentors females as they rediscover their purpose, passion and persistence for life while dealing with office politics, jerk bosses and the challenges of family life. In her signature program Women with Grit: Leading with Courage & Confidence, Kathy gives her ladies the hope and inspiration they need along with a kick in the pants to make positive change in their lives. ​​​