Life Hacks and Valuable Lessons
Why Starting Is a Problem and How We Can Overcome It in 3 Steps
A realistic, optimistic, and practical approach to completing complex projects despite setbacks or perceived failures based on decades of experience
When I was first assigned a complex project that seemed as daunting as an elephant on my plate, I felt overwhelmed and frozen. However, my wise mentor offered words of inspiration, saying:
The only way to consume and digest a metaphorical elephant is to eat it bit by bit over time with persistence.” This wisdom helped me complete my doctoral degree while working full-time with a young family and many more complex projects in later years in a flow state.
This timeless advice informed me that breaking down a seemingly impossible task into manageable pieces and tackling them one by one with awareness, acceptance, and persistence was the key to success while maintaining our physical and mental health.
The most challenging part was choosing the first bite of the metaphorical elephant. The answer was creating a mental map in the form of a pragmatic plan that I articulate in this personal story.
Motivation is a crucial factor in any profession to achieve our goals. Beginners often feel disappointed because they have the wrong perception of commonly promoted motivation factors, such as gaining external inspiration or getting ready before starting a task.
They are told, "You must be ready to start and need much inspiration from multiple sources.”
In my opinion, we don’t have to, even though it is nice to be ready. These statements sound great, but they are fables that can deter us from our path. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but bear with me. I don’t sugarcoat critical messages coming from proven experience.
Motivation is misrepresented, and misunderstandings cause disappointments for beginners in different professions. I have observed this situation in many writers, authors, and bloggers.
Therefore, I wrote this story within the content development context, keeping content developers in mind, such as writing a complex book or completing a writing assignment for a client.
Inspirational motivation, like in fairy tales, will hardly come to anyone unless one happens to be a mystic or a transcendental spirit always connected to the higher self. It is possible but not for the majority.
Every worthwhile creative initiative comes with uncertainty embedded with fear and anxiety. The degree of these emotions can differ for various people, but they will happen to anyone due to our nature.
In other words, we will never be ready if we leave it to paleo-cerebral functions manifesting as a comfort zone. Having buoyant energy and enthusiasm for mundane tasks such as writing an academic paper is not always possible. Many dull tasks became the ingredients of my successful outcomes.
My approach to motivation may not gel initially or even conflict with common beliefs on motivation because I wouldn’t believe what I said now if I read it 50 years ago.
But it is a helpful learning construct from my leadership experience that may be a valuable tool for content developers or creative endeavors that require significant brain power and self-discipline.
In this article, I present a realistic, optimistic, practical, and relevant motivational approach to complex project management, which I learned during my leadership studies by observing and emulating the remarkable traits of outstanding leaders.
The premise of this story is that you may need to revisit the motivation factor and correct your perceptions first to manage your daunting projects. The common perception is that people need a lot of energy and enthusiasm to start any significant project.
I have encapsulated this broad topic to make it digestible, but it is not an oversimplification. The psychological construct of my ideas is solid, as proven by my experience and observations of others.
Please read with an open mind, as I have no intention of misleading anyone. No rush to react promptly as your feedback after trying the customized approach might surprise your audience or stakeholders. I don’t aim to be right in my views but to provide a helpful perspective.
An Overview of the Act-Measure-Finish Principle
I simplified the approach using three keywords: act, measure, and finish, based on years of experience as a person who had multiple successful and unsuccessful projects.
Why should we act with a deliberate intention?
The biggest roadblocks to motivation are anxiety and fear, designed by nature for our survival. We can never be ready for any worthwhile initiative without overcoming and mastering these two universal emotions.
There appears to be no viable solution to overcome and master these two primary emotions other than an action for starting an initiative. Action is a known and proven cure for overcoming perceived anxiety and fear.
Have you ever seen a leader or entrepreneur who is not action-oriented? I haven’t. You may ask why action is so necessary to start an initiative.
It is because as soon as we take action on a pragmatic plan, the primitive brain responsible for paleo-cerebral functions and the limbic system responsible for emotions, feelings, and sensations are challenged by our thinking brain (neocortex), and the amygdala hijacks can be prevented.
The prohibitory brain chemicals may start losing power as the developed parts of the brain can replace them with stimulating biochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, glutamate, and histamine.
This critical transition seems only possible by taking action, even the smallest size, such as a small step for a mundane task like writing a book. This transition is meant to take us from our comfort zone to the growth zone.
Imagine a metaphorical start button.
To understand this point, think of the simple analogy of pushing the start button on a device.
How about imagining an electronic machine? For example, you can think about, romanticize, throw, or bash it with swear words.
Whatever you do to an electronic apparatus, the device will not start working unless you press the start button. The transition requires the simple act of pushing the start button intentionally.
Yes, it is stupidly simple. Yet, many of us suffer from awareness of this simple approach, which manifests itself as procrastination, fatigue, and lethargy preventing us from using our potential.
I don’t judge anyone, as I made this mistake, too, and learned my lesson.
Why should we measure progress?
Measuring the progress with feedback from the environment and actors of the initiative is essential to sustain motivation.
The feedback can be from raw data, processed information, or tacit knowledge of the audience. These valuable pieces of feedback, negative or positive, form experiences for us. Every type of feedback is valuable, no matter how brutal it might sound.
Once we understand the importance of starting and measuring, the next critical point is finalizing the action with an intentional decision. I learned to finalize action with one of the three points explained below.
We can undertake three practical steps based on factors that may influence one’s motivation and productivity. By approaching motivation practically, optimistically, and realistically, we can achieve sustainable success and overcome common myths that hinder our progress. First, let me clarify the nature of misunderstood motivation.
Motivation is not always what it seems from the outset. It’s not just about having high energy and enthusiasm or waiting for external inspiration to strike. Instead, it’s about taking deliberate action, measuring progress, and making intentional decisions about finalizing an initiative.
How can we finalize once we measure and have feedback?
I undertake three practical actions based on the feedback I receive and accept. My first choice is to do it myself. My second choice is to delegate the task to someone or something else. And the third choice is to cancel it.
I want to unfold them using three proven leadership tools: SMART, RACI, and PERT models, briefly as examples, as these simple tools helped me a lot to close my projects timely.
Can you do it yourself?
The first meaningful action is to complete the task with our capabilities. This approach can be satisfying and more pleasurable than the other two options.
However, if we encounter obstacles or receive feedback that suggests we need to change our approach, we should be open to deconstructing the task and breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
One effective mechanism for breaking down a task is to use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely).
This technique involves setting clear, specific goals for each step of the task, which makes it easier to monitor progress and adjust our approach as needed.
Is there a way to delegate it?
If we cannot complete the task ourselves, we may delegate it to others with the necessary skills and expertise. However, before delegating the task, we should assess the pros and cons of this approach.
One effective mechanism for delegating tasks is to use the RACI model (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed).
This model involves identifying the roles and responsibilities of each person involved in the task, which helps ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities and is held accountable for their contributions.
There is nothing wrong with canceling.
If we cannot complete the task ourselves and if it is not feasible to delegate it, the third option is to cancel it.
However, we should not see this as a failure or a waste of time and effort. Instead, we should see it as a learning and growth opportunity. Guilt and shame do not bring value to growth, but acceptance and optimism do.
One effective mechanism for canceling tasks is to use the PERT model (Program Evaluation and Review Technique).
This model includes evaluating the feasibility of the task and determining whether it is worth pursuing based on the potential benefits and risks.
What does all mean to readers?
These three practical actions — doing it ourselves, delegating it, and canceling it — are valuable tools for achieving our goals and learning from our experiences.
By using this simple approach and tools, we can ensure that we are making informed decisions, closing off our projects on time, and maximizing our chances of success rather than getting lost in paralysis of analysis situations.
Once more, I believe that inspirational motivation, like in fairy tales, will hardly come to anyone unless one happens to be a mystic or a transcendental spirit always connected to the higher self. It is possible but not for the majority.
Let me simplify my approach with five takeaway points.
Takeaways of the Story
1 — Focus on progress with a growth mindset, not perfection.
Starting and embracing challenges with a growth mindset means accepting that we are not perfect but have the potential to improve and learn from our mistakes along the way. This can be a powerful motivator for continued self-improvement if done with awareness and self-compassion.
2 — Embrace discomfort.
Initial discomfort is just a sensation if we observe it nonjudgmentally. Stepping outside our comfort zones and taking risks, even when uncomfortable or scary, can be invaluable. By doing so, we can develop resilience and become more adaptable to change. When we start working in a flow state, the discomfort will disappear.
3 — Practice self-compassion and self-love.
While it’s important to challenge ourselves and strive for growth, practicing self-compassion and self-love is more important, as we are not machines. This approach means treating ourselves with acceptance, kindness, and understanding, even when we have a perceived failure. There is no failure in life, only lessons learned. Besides, our health, well-being, and happiness are more important than professional success.
4 — Set realistic goals and remain optimistic.
To make progress, setting realistic, challenging, relevant, achievable, and time-bound goals is essential. A realistic and optimistic approach can help us avoid feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, providing a sense of accomplishment when we reach our goals or gain lessons learned when we so-called fail.
5 — Seek timely feedback and support.
Even though, as adults, we act independently, we always need the perspectives and support of others to achieve our goals. Therefore, it can be invaluable to surround ourselves with supportive people who can encourage and challenge us for timely accomplishment and future growth. There is nothing to be feared in asking for help.
Summary
Instead of wasting our time and energy on motivation-building investments, activating our dormant power with a metaphorical start button can be more productive.
It can be the first small step that we take as an action to ignite motivation. As simple as the implementation of the phrase “just do it.”
The best source of motivation comes from pushing the metaphorical start button despite uncertainty, anxiety, fear, anger, envy, boredom, shame, or guilt.
With this new experience, you can continue asking: What is next? And repeat the process and procedures to keep the momentum going.
The process is act, measure, and finish. The procedures are to do it, delegate it, or cancel it. Action is the panacea for going above and beyond for a meaningful life.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
As a new reader, please check my holistic health and well-being stories reflecting my reviews, observations, and decades of experiments optimizing my hormones and neurotransmitters. I write about health as it matters. I believe health is all about homeostasis.
Petechiae, ALS, Metabolic Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Strokes, Obesity, Liver Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders, Homocysteine, Lungs Health, Pancreas Health, Kidneys Health, NCDs, Infectious Diseases, Brain Health, Dementia, Depression, Brain Atrophy, Neonatal Disorders, Skin Health, Dental Health, Bone Health, Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain, Brain Fog, Chronic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Elevated Cortisol, Leptin Resistance, Anabolic Resistance, Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Metabolic Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Thyroid Disorders, Anemia, Dysautonomia, cardiac output, and urinary track disorders.
I also wrote about valuable nutrients. Here are the links for easy access:
Lutein/Zeaxanthin, Phosphatidylserine, Boron, Urolithin, taurine, citrulline malate, biotin, lithium orotate, alpha-lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine, CoQ10, PQQ, NADH, TMG, creatine, choline, digestive enzymes, magnesium, zinc, hydrolyzed collagen, nootropics, pure nicotine, activated charcoal, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, and other nutrients.
Disclaimer: My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experience, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
As part of my creative non-fiction writing goals, I’d like to share a few stories that might warm our hearts with a bit of humor into weighty topics.
Sample Humorous Stories
Finally, After Burning Her House, Georgia Found Enlightenment
Hilarious Tips to Prevent Brain Atrophy and Keep the Gray Matter Giggling
8 Psychological Points I Had to Unlearn and Relearn the Opposite
Based on my writing experience and observations, I documented findings and strategies that might help you amplify your voice, engage your audience, and achieve your desired outcomes in your writing journey.
I publish my lifestyle, health, and well-being stories on EUPHORIA. My focus is on cellular, mitochondrial, metabolic, and mental health. Here is my collection of Insightful Life Lessons from Personal Stories.
You might join my six publications on Medium as a writer by sending a request via this link. 24K writers contribute to my publications. You might find more information about my professional background.
