For over two years I’ve been writing a memoir of sorts about my journey with control and how God has met me with grace in tightly-wound moments. Right now, I’m currently in the revision process and I’ve been battling discouragement.
Self-doubt, comparison, and the demands of the project have all contributed to how I’ve been feeling.
I am not a quitter, I am a finisher, but there usually comes a point in a project when I’m tempted to stop short of completing it.
Here are 3 steps to help you get unstuck:
Write down the “why” and refer to it frequently:
Why did you start this project in the first place? Make a pretty piece of word art (or just jot it down on a piece of paper) to answer this question. Put your answer in a prominent place so you don’t forget your motivation for completing the project. For example mine might say this:
I am writing this book to help free myself and others from tightly-wound tendencies. I desire for others to grow closer to the Lord and to receive and extend grace in everyday moments.
When we answer the “why” and refer back to it often, it keeps us going. When we get bogged down by the details or the magnitude of our project, our mission statement can help us stay focused and press on.
Tell your support network how you’re feeling:
I hope you have a few friends or family members that are supportive of your endeavor. Be honest with them and ask for help if needed. Set a deadline to finish your project (if you haven’t already) and ask them to hold you accountable to it.
I confessed to my husband how discouraged I’d been feeling at this stage in my project. He then went out of his way to encourage me. He said, “You can’t give up. You can do this. Keep going!” He provided extra space for me to get things done, since this particular part of my project requires additional thought and time.
Do one thing each day to move your project forward:
It is biblical and wise to have a day of rest. When we are recharged we are more likely to be creative. But, all the other days, do at least one thing on your project.
I’d been trying to take on two or three chapter revisions a day and it was too much, so I scaled back to one chapter a day and felt more successful. It may take longer to get my project done but I’m tackling it in more bite-size pieces.
This will help energize you vs. feeling overwhelmed by all that still needs to be done.
Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9
The God-sized Dreams Community is committed to encouraging you as you pursue your dreams. We know the journey is not easy and that there are all sorts of detours and delays that can impact your progress. However, we hope these three steps will help motivate you to keep going and not give up.
What are some steps that keep you moving forward? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page.
Shared by: Katie M. Reid
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Wonderful tips Katie! And yes, been there for sure:) I especially like #3. Taking one step, no matter how small, can keep us moving in the right direction. Blessings!
Thank you Kristine. Yes, let’s press on as His Spirit leads…one step at a time. 🙂 So proud of you for finishing your “Over It” book!
Great advice. I seem to swing in and out of this sticky situation. Sometimes I just have to give myself a little grace, step back, and accomplish a few other things before I can fully focus on moving forward with those God-sized dreams of mine! Thanks for this great advice!!
You are most welcome. That is good advice you gave too, “give grace, step back, and accomplish a few other things first so you can fully focus.” Love it!