Even Teeny-Tiny Steps Move a Project Forward
Three tips for tackling summer projects and overwhelm
How are your summer projects going? Got big dreams, but feel overwhelmed?
Sometimes a project feels so big I don't even start. (Hello, photos in the garage!)
But here are a few tips I’ve used that helped with our recent move to a new city.
First, view the project as a "big fun experiment."
Less dread, more curiosity.
Even if your project is cleaning out your kids' room now that they're in college, can you approach it as an experiment?
"Hmm, what will I discover?"
Stay curious and keep your sense of humor.
While cleaning out my daughter's closet, I found a middle school "reminder binder."
(My daughter's now a senior in college.)
I also found a treasure trove of markers, paints and paper. I posted pics in a Facebook group and the art supplies were gone in a day.
When I was planning our move, I sometimes felt like an imposter. Who am I to start over in my late 50’s? Why are we doing this? We'd lived in our house 25 years. Why leave? I was overwhelmed by the logistics. But when I viewed it as a "big fun experiment," I became very curious about what might happen. Even though I was scared, I was excited about the possibilities.
Next tip: take micro-actions.
Even teeny-tiny steps move a project forward. The small steps keep your nervous system relaxed. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, make your first step even smaller. I like to set a timer for 15 minutes. When I packed up our kitchen, I also needed to stock it for renters displaced by the L.A. fires. There were so many decisions. Organizing one drawer at a time helped me get through it. The timer helped me stay focused. I wanted to beat the clock. I've been using a timer since my kids were little. It got a lot of Legos put away.
Third tip: Stay curious and compassionate.
I love our new city, but there are times when I'm lonely. I miss my friends and running into familiar faces at Trader Joe’s. But my curiosity about places to discover and people to meet has been rejuvenating. I’m grateful to friends who’ve connected me with their friends. New friendships take time. Sometimes the interactions are awkward. Showing compassion for myself and others is key.
Since living here, I've spent a lot more time on Instagram. I'm giving myself some grace though. Instagram’s been a great tool for discovering places to go and unusual things to do.
Curiosity led me to a writing salon in the back of a bar on State Street. (Way out of my comfort zone, but I left feeling brave, and I heard some good stories.)
My husband and I went to a Casino Night/Dance Party. (moderately fun--friendly people, lots of small talk.)
Last week, I participated in a focus group on a ranch. (That was amazing!)
Curiosity and compassion are what led me to all these things. They're the values I lean on in new situations. So far, they're serving me well.
So if you've got a big project or are searching for a new job this summer, I hope these reminders are helpful.
*Make it a big fun experiment.
*Take micro actions. Teeny-tiny steps still move a project forward.
*Stay curious & compassionate.
After all, life is a lot more interesting when seen as a "big fun experiment."