How to get things done you hate

You could ask why are such things on your list anyway. In my case, because 4 years ago I was very excited about this project and started it. (Un)fortunately I am a person who finishes things before starting something new. But this is a topic for another time. To close this project now I have some tasks I have to finish. This brings me to tip 1:

1. It will be over soon :)
2. Step by step
   Don't look at the whole workload at once, that won't cheer you up. Look at one task at the time, get a pen and paper and start writing. Go away from you existing work, that is just annoying and distracting.
3. Celebrate after every small step finished
   Get some snacks, dance in the room, listen to your favourite song or smash your sand sack next to you.
4. Have the goal in mind and smile.
   In my case the graduation day is highlighted in my agenda and I am damn so looking forward to it. Everyone knows about this data, now I have to be accountable for this and actually get it done (at least the things that are under my control).
5. Believe in yourself
   How many new ideas and inspiration do you think will come up in your mind when you permanently put yourself down? Not many, right? I have no idea who invented negative thoughts, but I suggest to just ignore them. Agreed, it is not easy and family and friends are sometimes not the most helpful people. However, one day they will learn and accept :)

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You can't Believe in bHIP until You Believe in Yourself – Terry LaCore

Your personal project management

The topic "Project Management" is mostly covered for companies and small teams. But what about managing your private project. How do you manage the projects/actions that were assigned and delegated to you. You are in charge of actions set up and you will be responsible for the results.

Studies often point to interpersonal and behavioral problems as root causes of project failure. The art of project management is all about getting work done through other people.

Personally I am following the strategy of GTD - Get Things Done. It might be a bit modified so it suits my circumstances. Everything is set up on paper. I would prefer to have my ToDo list on my computer, but I am switching too often between computers right now. The list of projects can be quite long, depending how detailed you are. I think having a project called "Do website" makes no sense, because this can be a never ending story. I am still struggling with this part ... but I am going there.

Then I have a list of things I want to do one day. Maybe I am bored one day, which I don't believe will happen ;o) Another list is about actions I have delegated and I am waiting for the feedback. I also have some kind of inbox where I put all my ideas, thoughts and other things that come to my mind. It is not a physical inbox. Mostly it contains notes of a meeting.

Photo Courtesy by Markus Brosch

My whole agenda is only A5 and I want to keep it like this. It is a bit more handy that carrying around a A4 binder. It also trains me to keep my notes short but still detailed.

Weekly I review all projects and all the other sections in my agenda. Just to keep things clean. It allows me to remove unwanted actions, plan the coming days and make me aware of the status of every single project. If no action was taken for a little I might consider to put the whole project on hold or even cancel it as it might not be important.

Currently I am not really well on track with that. Just bought a new binder as the old one starts to fall apart. As soon as things become routine I get bored of them ... looks like I need a new strategy soon.