Breaking Big Projects into Small Steps

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” - Vincent Van Gogh

Hello again. I’m glad you’re here!

March’s theme is all about clearing mental clutter, and this week’s newsletters will all be related to a popular theme which is overcoming overwhelm.

Today I wanted to talk about large projects. We all have them from time to time in our personal or professional lives.

These projects can feel like a mountain you’re supposed to climb in one day. Just thinking about everything that needs to be done can leave you feeling stuck before you even start.

Mental clutter piles up when you try to hold the whole project in your head at once. If you’re anything like me, this happens a lot. Project is stifled because you’re either not sure where to start or have a feeling of hopelessness that it’s going to take too much time, work, effort, etc. (We really do get in our own way, don’t we?)

I’ve found the trick to end the procrastination and dread of overwhelm is to stop seeing it as one giant task. Break it into smaller, bite-sized steps. When your brain only has to focus on the very next action, everything feels lighter and more doable.

Whenever I find myself in this situation I try to remember to get the M.O.P. If you’ve been reading this for a bit, you know that means Movement (or Momentum) Over Perfection.

So if you’re good with that so far, then the next move is to take the smallest possible step forward to get moving on the project. What is the absolute smallest step you can conceive that is headed in the right direction?

If the project is to declutter your wardrobe, pull out one piece of clothing you already know you don’t want anymore. If your project is to detail your car, start by grabbing a trash bag and throw away all the garbage in the car. And if the project is to simplify everything in your life and unlock peace and fulfillment, reply to this email to set up a conversation with me.

Action is traction!

The funny thing about it is that one small step often turns into many steps quickly. Before you know it, you’re looking back and wondering how you were ever there to begin with.

How silly.

Hope you use this message to kick off a productive week. Back tomorrow.

Yours in Simplicity,

-Jimmy