How I Tackle Big Projects

If I were to sum up my most recent work in one word, it would be “big.” Behind the scenes, I’m working on a few big illustration projects. I’m also working on a personal project I’ve wanted to tackle for years. I’m not ready to go into details yet, but I’m happy to report I’m making great progress. Today’s post is not about what I’m working on, but how.

Big projects are maddening. At the start, it can feel like you’ll never reach the finish line. With the value we put on instant gratification, it’s hard to work for an unknown outcome. When I hear the old painting masters would take ten years to finish a piece, I want to pull my hair out. Those times were different though. They didn’t have the modern day distractions we do. They also didn’t have lights and running water, but that’s besides the point.

These big projects are the toughest to tackle, but the most fulfilling in the end. While big client projects come with added pressure, personal projects are more difficult to tackle. No one is holding you accountable, and the outcome is more unknown. You have no idea if your work will be a success. Will you even see a dime from your efforts? Will it be any good?

Unfortunately, these nagging personal projects are the things we need to work on most. They’re not just big in size, but they come with big nudges from our intuition that the work needs to be done. They’re the projects we just can’t shake, even though they might not make much sense. They are the dreams that start with “wouldn’t it be cool if I could…” I’m sure a few of your own dreams come to mind. Too often, we just sit on these dreams, telling ourselves we’ll get to it later. I know I’ve sat on big projects for years, while constantly nagging myself to get started. These dreams just take a backseat to “life.”

So why is it important to work on these projects? Because it’s your soul’s work. It will be a success, and it will be good, because we are being called to do it. Why can’t we gamble more on ourselves? Instead, we put ourselves down and call these nudges from our intuition “silly.” Why do you think we get these nudges in the first place? Personally, I believe our inner voice is connected to a higher power. We are told to do the work the world needs, no matter how small or silly it feels. This work is incredibly important. Arguably, there’s not many things more important. So, how’s that for a kick in the pants?

After years of failing, I’ve finally made headway on my big projects and I wanted to share my secret with you. It comes down to one simple habit. Set aside 50 uninterrupted minutes per day to work on something “big.” It’s as easy as that. I even made a sheet that I hung up in my office to track my progress here (also below) if you’re interested. If I miss a day, I put a circle on that day and make up the time. I don’t miss two days in a row. I’ve decided I won’t track weekends, but that may change. Why 50 minutes? I remember reading a study that this is the longest our brain can focus without a break. Also, an hour just sounds too long.

When I’m about to go into my 50 minutes, I make sure everyone knows. I turn off my phone, but some classical music on, and shut my door. I keep my e-mail far away. I make sure I have everything I need so I won’t leave the room. The key is to let those around you know that you’re working on something big, and that you need their support. Your loved ones will be more than happy to give you this time. Let me tell you, the time FLIES by. That’s the thing about working on big stuff, you get in the zone.

The funny thing is, since implementing this habit, you’d think I’d be more tired. However, I’ve found such renewed energy from working on big things for myself. I’m over the moon ecstatic. I know 50 minutes per day doesn’t sound like much, but things move more quickly when you work without distractions. I can see how, if you keep this standing time on your calendar daily, you can accomplish big things over the years. It may also be the secret to no regrets. You can’t berate yourself for not prioritizing your dreams, if you’re working on them daily. My goal is to keep this standing time for myself as I continue to work through projects. If it’s the only productive thing I’ve done all day, I’ve had a successful day. That’s the kicker, it won’t be the only productive thing you do all day. Everything else is comes much easier once you’ve done this one thing for yourself.

The remaining question is - how do you know which project needs to be addressed first? We all have lots of dreams. My answer is probably annoying - you’ll just know. It’s going to be that thing that you’re most scared of. In your brain, you may hear, “That’s crazy, I could never do that.” Here are some examples of big projects, just to get the wheels turning:

• Start your own business

• Learn a language

• Write and/or illustrate a book

• Learn to play an instrument

• Film a course

• Paint a huge art piece

• Start a blog

• Open a shop (physical or digital)

• Create a new product or line of products

• Start a podcast or Youtube channel

If everyone set aside 50 minutes per day to work on their dreams, the world would be better. We’d have more books, art, and music. Everyone would be more fulfilled. There wouldn’t be that bitterness people carry around because their dreams have taken a backseat. If we could just detach from outcomes, and put in the daily work, who knows the amazing things we could do?

This article is my plea to you to start working on your big dreams. We need what you have to contribute. Your soul’s work is important.