Big projects tend to stir up a wide range of emotions. We might feel energized by the possibilities ahead or overwhelmed by uncertainty about where to begin. Whether you’re building your dream home, launching a business, organizing a room, or simply trying to finish an assignment, success often comes down to a few fundamental principles. Want to know how to get things done with a minimum of stress? Make sure to have these elements in place.
A Plan
One of the biggest mistakes people make is jumping into a project before they know how they’re going to finish it. I once had a friend who became so frustrated with the worn-out carpet in her living room that she impulsively started ripping it up one evening. What began as a burst of motivation quickly turned into a half-demolished room and a much bigger problem than she started with.
The truth is that preparation is often the majority of the work. Before painting a room, you need to tape edges, cover furniture, protect floors, and prep surfaces. Before writing a research paper, you gather sources, conduct research, organize notes, and create an outline. Nearly every worthwhile project requires groundwork before visible progress can begin.
Unfortunately, preparation isn’t always exciting. It’s often tedious, repetitive, and unrewarding in the moment. But the projects that seem effortless from the outside are usually built on careful planning behind the scenes. A solid plan won’t eliminate every obstacle, but it will make your path forward much smoother.
One additional note on planning. You don’t want to get so caught up in planning that you actually never begin. A plan is effective when it helps you launch your effort in an efficient direction. When planning feel like being stuck, it’s time to pivot from planning to action.
The Right Tools
I remember hearing Martha Stewart say that for every job, there’s a perfect tool. The more projects I take on, the more I realize how true that is. Have you ever tried to:
- Remove wallpaper without the proper scraper?
- Conduct online research with a slow internet connection?
- Bake muffins without a muffin tin?
The wrong tool can turn a simple task into a frustrating, time-consuming ordeal. Before starting a project, identify the resources you’ll need and gather them ahead of time. If you’re tackling something unfamiliar, spend a little time asking questions, researching best practices, or seeking advice from someone with experience.
And remember: sometimes the most valuable tool isn’t a tool at all, but instead might be a person. A mentor, expert, friend, or professional can save you hours of trial and error and help you avoid costly mistakes. When planning a project, consider both the time and financial investment required to acquire the right tools. It’s almost always worth it.
A “No Shortcuts” Mentality
This principle is often the hardest—and the most important. Most of us are tempted to cut corners. We skim the assigned reading instead of studying it carefully. We rush through preparation steps. We settle for “good enough” when we know a little extra effort would produce a much better result. We want the reward without always wanting the process.
Occasionally, shortcuts seem to work. But over time, a habit of cutting corners catches up with us. Poor workmanship, incomplete preparation, and rushed decisions eventually create problems that demand even more time, money, and energy to fix. “Anything worth doing is worth doing right” doesn’t mean becoming a perfectionist. We can’t give 100 percent to every item on our to-do list. Instead, it means paying attention to that inner voice that knows when we’re settling for less than we’re capable of. It means choosing quality over convenience when it truly matters. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s integrity in the process.
Project Milestones
Large projects often feel overwhelming because our brains see them as one giant task.
Instead of focusing on “get my life in order” or “write a book,” identify the next major milestone and then the next small action. Progress becomes much easier when you’re aiming for manageable targets rather than a distant finish line. Interim milestones also allow you to build confidence and celebrate accomplishments throughout the project.
A project completed one step at a time is still a completed project!
A Work Schedule
A plan is important, but many projects fail because they never make it onto the calendar.
It’s easy to say you’ll work on something “when you have time.” In reality, most people only make meaningful progress when they intentionally reserve time for it. Clients often joke that they get more done when I show up. Part of this is because I keep us focused and on task, but part of it is simply that me knocking on the door means time to get to work. Most people are better keeping appointments than initiating solo work.
The question isn’t just How will I do this? but also When will I do this? To get things done, you most likely will need to be very specific with yourself about what you will work on, on which day, at what time, and for how long? If you need someone else to hold you accountable to your own schedule, by all means invite them into the process.
Realistic Expectations
Many people assume that obstacles mean they’re doing something wrong.
In reality, delays, mistakes, unexpected expenses, and changing circumstances are normal parts of almost every worthwhile project.
The goal isn’t to avoid setbacks entirely; it’s to anticipate them and keep moving forward when they occur. Persistence often matters more than perfection.
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Do you have a project you are determined to tackle this year? What will you do to make sure you get it done?
Really agree with everything! I have several projects in mind including redecorating our little bedroom and walk-in closet plus a lot of challenges like learning how to cook, hehehe. Many times I get crazy with all the inspirations that I just can’t decide. Boom. Thanks for these great tips Seana! 🙂
Well thanks for reading, Rea:) I know exactly what you mean — dreaming is so fun, and then sometimes I want to just plunge in! Redecorating a small bedroom sounds particularly fun – good luck!
This honestly sounds like my husband. Even when he’s making popcorn on the stove, and instructing me how, he’s showing me how ready he is with everything, even before the first kernel pops!
Not a great example, but I tend to run into things and then kinda juggle too much at the end.
However with photography, I start getting prepared way before a job.
I think it’s interesting that with photography, you prep way in advance. I wonder what that says? Intentionality with this aspect of your life. I think this is so normal… we often give great focus and planning to one aspect of our lives, but perhaps enjoy being more relaxed about others (areas where spouses are more organized perhaps?)Great comment!
I MUST de-clutter! My house is pretty de-cluttered, but I want to take it to the next level and the basement is still a disaster. Setting aside regular time on a weekly basis is my keep. AND it must go on my daily calendar. Otherwise, nothing gets done.
I’m just like you, Kerith. If it doesn’t get scheduled on the my calendar, it doesn’t get done. There is just something about it being written down that makes me get going:)
Seanna, my husbands favourite saying is “measure twice, cut once”. Great blog post, most people forget the prep part because it boring.
I know, Jill. It is boring, but then the actual work goes faster and ends up better. It is a tough lesson I’ve learned that prep is a part of EVERYTHING! Sigh… I love your husband’s saying – isn’t that the truth!
This is great advice! I definitely think me and my husband could plan things a little better at times. We don’t do big projects like this though. I’m not sure either of us would want to right now in the place we are in our lives with a toddler and a baby on the way. I will keep this in the back of my mid for sure for any future projects!
Thanks Brittnei! Life is all about seasons and timing, isn’t it? Just taking care of a little one and getting ready for a baby is a project in itself! Be well:)
Stopping by from sits and I think these are great tips. I have so many projects I want to do that I get overwhelmed and nothing gets accomplished. I need to choose one, plan for it, buy what I need and not start another one until that’s complete. I feel like I have 5 half done projects all over the place.
Most people struggle with the unfinished project conundrum, Melissa. It’s frankly more fun to start than to stay strong and finish, right? But getting something actually done is a terrific feeling, so I wish you luck. Thanks for stopping by, love SITS!!
great tips once again babe. I know I tend to want to get thigns done NOW and often don’t think about the right tools or the best way to do it. So this was a great list to read…I know when I take my time, pick the best tools, and don’t do shortcuts it all works out.
And even if it doesn’t work out, we are better able to handle the unexpected, right Karen? I’m always amazed at how much the right tool helps… I’m still working on that one!! Have a great day:)
This is so true with household projects! I removed the wallpaper and painted a bathroom this year, and even though it seems like the prep takes just as long at the project, it makes everything easier in the end!
That’s exactly it Ginny Marie… putting in the effort for the prep just makes it better in the end – even if it is terribly boring:)
Great tips Seana and very timely. I was just thinking about this morning because all of my to do’s seem overwhelming. I want to redo by half bathroom and work on two gallery picture walls. I’m trying to break it down into smaller steps where I can spend at least 30 minutes a day working on a task that will get me to my goal.
I definitely do better when I can break big projects down into smaller bits, Dawn. It feels less intimidating, and then I feel like I’m making progress. They sound like very rewarding projects, though!! Love to see before and afters:)
This is always good advice. I definitely take shortcuts though to save money but sometimes when trying to save money I end up paying more….
I hate when that happens, Jessica! I’ve certainly been there many times. It’s a tough reality, isn’t it? Thanks for reading:)
As always, you give such sound advice. It all rings true. Planning is essential because with projects, it helps to have an outline of what you’re trying to accomplish, the timeline, and whether you can do this on your own or will need to enlist help.
My husband, in particular, is all about having “the right tools.” It’s not that I’m not, but when it comes to fixing or renovation-type projects, Steve always invests in tools that are right for the job. And it does make a difference. Even something as simple as a slotted or a Philips-head screwdriver is important.
Having clear boundaries and milestones is important, too. But with that also goes flexibility. Because you know how projects go…not always smoothly. And sometimes (or many times) adjustments are needed.
The older I get, the more I’m becoming aware of the power of a well-suited tool. I’m reluctant to invest when it is a ‘one and done’ type of project, but I can see the difference it makes. I love that some libraries now offer loans of tools of various kinds. Such a smart idea!
Seana, the line about preparation being the majority of the work is right on. Your point about scheduling the work rather than waiting until you have time is one I’ll be borrowing. Saving this to share. Thank you for this.
Thanks, Cathy. I do a lot of rescheduling myself. Every day I reschedule what I didn’t get to, not with self-recrimination but just with a realistic view of when I can work on it again.
This is fabulous advice, Seana. These are the things that stood out to me: projects that run smoothly are most likely due to great planning and preparation; too much planning can result in being stuck, and roadblocks, setbacks, changes of course are all part of life. Thank you for reminding us all that these are important parts of almost every project!
It’s always that delicate balance between planning and procrastinating. At some point, you just have to start, being willing to adapt the plan as needs be along the way!
Having just lived through this with my reunion I so agree with all that you have shared. Now, I’m still doing the moping up that comes after a big event. This also takes “to do” lists, planning and scheduling, and getting help.
You’re so right, Jonda. We often “underanticipate” the aftermath of a big event. It takes as much time and energy as the setting up, and a good plan helps it go as efficiently as possible. Good luck!
We are getting ready to sell our house and move yikes. Do I have a step by step plan? Nope! Just currently packing a little each day to get ready for movers to move some things to storage. It’s a huge job but I actually love packing 😆
The sooner you start with a move, the easier the process is, right Kim? With your skills, I’m sure it will be a smooth operation. 🙂 Best of luck with the move!
This is ringing all my bells, Seana. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been sitting with a client and they’ll jump up and say, “OK, let’s go do THIS!” and I’m shouting, “Wait, wait! We can’t jump to the labor until we have a plan first!” because often, coming up with the plan will save us hours of labor.
Recently, a client wanted to jump to us having a meeting with the IRS to solve a problem (that had been ignored on-and-off for years). By encouraging the client to stop, let us collect evidence, understand the issue, and then make a plan for going forward, we were able to make one phone call on Friday and retrieve over $10K that had been locked up for years! Had we gone straight to walking in to the IRS, we’d just have been sent away to find documentation, and we would have wasted our time (and her cost of working with me to go to a useless meeting).
My family laughs at me because they’ll get their hands on some kind of gadget or software and jump in, guns blazing, to accomplish whatever sounds like fun. They invariably get frustrated, and then peevish at me when I’ve been reading the instructions all along, scribbling down notes, and just as they give up, I can take over and fix it. Why? Because I made sure we had the right resources. *I’m* not better (often, it’s something I don’t know much about), but because I don’t dip my toe in until a plan (and, as you note, resources and often, a schedule) is put in place, I’ve got a better chance of bringing something to fruition.
I think most people innately want to jump to the end because that’s where the satisfaction lies. It’s hard for them to see that the satisfaction can be increased by meeting those benchmarks you mentioned, and they aren’t inclined to imagine the potential pitfalls along the way. I’d rather imagine all the problems and plan how to attack them than lift a finger in wasted energy.
Your approach works for every project, from going on a trip to getting your finances in order to fixing whatever’s wrong in your house or your life. Great stuff!
Great example about calling the IRS. Getting a live person on the phone can take a long time these days, so you don’t want to have to do it twice. Today more than ever, we can look up information about the task at hand, watch videos, see what people recommend, and otherwise prepare for action. It’s not about putting off the task, but getting ready to start, and then following through.
I love that you read the instructions! My son-in-law is very good about this too.
I find that most people do not realize how many projects that they have simultaneously started. Then it is harder to know what to accomplish and to decide on a time line. I suggest that people view all the projects on their list each week during weekly planning time so that you can fully understand the commitments
That’s a great tip, Ellen! Sometimes we have to be juggling multiple projects at once, but that is definitely harder. Weekly planning time helps us get our minds straightened out and appropriately focused for the week ahead. 🙂