Things might be daunting when you're just starting off.
There's a lot to keep in mind: numerous projects, deadlines, shared deliverables, operational tasks.
If you're not careful, you'll forget the big picture, the why behind your work and what it means for your team and clients.
This can lead to burnout, disengagement, and a lack of role clarity. Trust me, I've experienced this numerous times.
Below are three powerful ideas to keep you motivated and able to create impactful, effective outputs.
1. Always return to the why of the project
A sticky note on your desk. A problem statement document on your desktop. A mental mantra.
Always ask yourself why you're working on this project and what difference it will make for your client.
The more complex the problem, the more important it is to keep coming back to this core. Like my meditation teacher always said, "start again."
2. Talk through your process with an ally
Sometimes you're so deep in the weeds of operations that you don't realize how much mental bandwidth is spent on keeping everything in your head.
In times like this it's important to externalize what's going on.
Talk with a close colleague, your superior, or a professional ally like a mentor.
Your goal here is to simply dump what's on your mind: the dates, things to do, what the project outcome should be.
This has a way of clearing your mental cache, freeing up space for things that matter more.
3. Get a piece of paper and map out your project
Set a timer for 5 minutes and start writing out every project-related bit of info that comes to mind.
Make connections between things. Doodle if you're comfortable.
The goal is to see the big picture, to zoom out and see beyond your nose.
Once you got everything out on paper, make a summary of the most important tasks, questions, and ideas.
This too provides relief for when there's a mental backlog that piles up during times of complexity.
To stay focused and committed on a complex project requires some metacognition. It's recognizing when you need to zoom out and process what's happening. Do this by asking why, talking through your process, and mapping out your project.