by Sandra Knight, Contributing Editor
Do you think you will never find a client or a writing gig that pays?
Are you overwhelmed with the number of tasks you have to do to build your career or business?
Is depression taking over and making you feel like you want to give up?
I was beyond excited to get started writing, so I started learning everything I could.
I took different programs, joined all types of sites and read constantly.
One day I realized I didn’t know what to do next.
I had been studying to the point that I wasn’t sure which direction to go.
My goals were too broad, there were too many tasks, and I was feeling overwhelmed.
My positive attitude was wavering, and my stress levels were off the charts.
I started wondering if I had what it takes to continue writing.
I felt like giving up…it was just too much.
Does this sound familiar?
I was this person until recently when I actually began using some of the things I have learned, like breaking large tasks into smaller ones.
This allowed me to move forward with less stress and better results.
We all know we have to set goals and learn as much as we can and work on marketing.
But many people don’t realize how to work smarter and that baby steps can lead to big successes.
So what can you do?
Here are some ideas to consider if you need to step back and reset yourself.
1. Scale down your goals.
This is something we see pretty often but goals are important enough that I feel it bears repeating.
For example:
• Yearly – set a few major goals for the year – but remember that you can change these as they are completed.
• Monthly – You should pick one of your yearly goals to focus on and then write down your recurring tasks.
• Weekly – You should set these up ahead of time so you know exactly what you will be working on.
• Daily – Be realistic! You want to make your daily tasks doable.
2. Focus on one thing at a time because multitasking slows you down.
• Make sure each action you take is something specifically leading to your goal(s).
• Look at your to-do list the night before in case there is something special you need to get ready for the next day.
• Take on your hardest task early so you don’t have to worry about it later.
3. Use your support system.
• Once you tell someone you are going to do something it keeps you accountable and on track.
• Reach out when you are feeling stuck because you ARE NOT alone.
• Listen when they call you out on something. They are only helping you get better.
• Who inspires you? Look at how other people overcome their challenges and ask questions.
4. Keep a positive attitude.
• Stay away from all kinds of negativity or it can bring you down.
• Complete several small tasks in one day and it will make you feel great.
• Reduce barriers and eliminate excuses to help build your success.
• Create and look at your personal vision board to remind you why you keep moving forward.
Everyone has to find their own way, but hopefully some of the things I mentioned here can help you.
Separating large tasks into smaller ones can actually speed up your progress and increase your confidence.
Just remember, don’t compare yourself to others, failure is something to learn from, not fear and setbacks are normal, so forgive yourself.
About Sandra Knight
Sandra Knight and her husband live in the great state of Texas.
Sandra is a professional writer who creates content for businesses, including in-depth guides, educational reviews and engaging blog posts.
Her career focus is writing content in the personal finance space, and she is passionate about planning for the future and helping others. Learn more about her and her writing services at linkedin.com.
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