Chapter 1: The Challenge of Sustained Motivation

We often find ourselves aspiring for greatness, making significant commitments to endeavors that we believe will bring us fulfillment and purpose. This ambition is commendable as it drives us to pursue meaningful goals and potentially improve the world around us.

However, the longer a project extends and the more intricate it becomes, the more daunting it can feel to see it through to completion. Just think about it: opening a blank document with dreams of crafting a novel can be overwhelming—where do you even start?

While I'm no expert, I have managed to complete several extensive projects. Recently, I put the finishing touches on a knitted blanket, and I’ve successfully penned a 50,000-word novel draft for National Novel Writing Month for five consecutive years. Additionally, I’ve delivered substantial features as part of my career in software engineering.

From my experience, I believe I can distill this down into three key pieces of advice.

Photo by Kevin Borrill on Unsplash

Everything Can Be Simplified

This might sound clichéd, but one of the most effective ways to tackle large projects is to remember that they consist of smaller tasks. I was inspired to write this piece while working on a knitted sweater. While a sweater may seem like a massive undertaking, it is constructed stitch by stitch. Each individual stitch contributes to the whole, making the project feel less intimidating when you focus on one stitch at a time.

To echo another common saying, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” A marathon can be dissected into individual strides or broken down into training runs and breaths.

Every substantial project can be made manageable if you identify its smaller components. Even goals that seem like they can only be achieved in one fell swoop can be divided into actionable steps. For instance, aspiring to win an award for your creation may feel like an all-or-nothing endeavor. While you cannot control how others will perceive your work, you can enhance your project and skills to maximize your chances of success.

To implement this advice, identify the smaller “pieces” that comprise your goal. Investigate what others in your field have learned, and gain a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished. Complete these smaller tasks and look for opportunities to improve. If possible, finish minor projects to gain insights from the experience. Write, analyze, and then repeat.

After all, you can only earn the title of “bestseller” by creating a bestselling work, and that can only happen if you refine your craft.

Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash

Organize Your Efforts

Building on the previous point, it's crucial to ensure that you tackle these smaller components in the correct sequence and manner.

Returning to the example of knitting a sweater, if you knit without a plan, adding stitches without thought, you might end up with a shapeless mass instead of a well-structured garment. While you may have put in significant effort, without a coherent strategy, the result will not align with your initial goal.

Creating a sweater requires increases and decreases to shape the torso, as well as openings for the neck and sleeves. Putting your efforts in order means conducting enough research to understand what you need to do to achieve your end goal.

For knitting, this involves following a pattern. In writing, it entails understanding the structure of the work you're producing, whether it be a novel, poem, or screenplay. For training, it means developing a realistic plan that supports your physical progression.

Draft a plan; it doesn’t need to be overly detailed, but it should clarify your next steps toward achieving your goal. Be cautious of over-planning, as this can lead to procrastination. Establish a framework and then get to work.

Planning not only aligns with maintaining motivation, but it also helps you avoid wasting time wandering in the wrong direction. Feeling lost can significantly drain your motivation, so having a clear plan helps you stay focused.

Photo by Tachina Lee on Unsplash

Understanding Your Purpose

Lastly, to successfully complete lengthy projects, it’s essential to connect them to a broader significance. As has been suggested by many, “find your why.”

Since January 2021, I've been developing a game. While it's progressing, it’s still a work in progress. How do I maintain motivation for something that has taken so long?

I remind myself of my purpose: I want to create games that others will enjoy. This project feels uniquely mine, as my experiences and skills will culminate in a game that reflects my individuality. No one else can create my games.

This understanding fuels my motivation month after month, and sharing my progress with others generates excitement that keeps me going. I continue working on my game because I know people are eager to play it—including myself.

Another approach to infusing meaning into a project is to recognize the value it brings to you throughout the journey. Sometimes, it may seem trivial to assign a life-changing purpose to a project.

For instance, my knitting won’t revolutionize the world. I don’t even need another sweater, as I can purchase one. However, knitting provides me with a tactile experience, allowing me to create and engage in a state of flow. The process is fulfilling in itself, and having a finished sweater is simply a bonus. I return to knitting time and again because of the joy I derive from the activity.

Reflect on your goals and ask yourself: “Why am I doing this?” What do you hope to achieve in the end? What do you find enjoyable about the process? If you struggle to identify any meaningful aspects of your goals, it may be time for a change.

Ultimately, we all seek growth. We strive to elevate ourselves and feel a sense of progress. Completing extensive projects is one avenue to cultivate that growth and demonstrate your capabilities.

Best of luck!

This video emphasizes that if you find yourself overly preoccupied with an idea, it might not hold as much value as you think. It encourages viewers to prioritize actionable steps over endless contemplation.

In this motivational video, Steve Harvey discusses the importance of imagination and how it serves as a driving force in our pursuits, encouraging viewers to harness their creative potential.