How do you stay focused on a big project?

Question

Does anyone have any tips for staying focused and not getting overwhelmed when working on a huge project?

Answer 1

Make a timeline and stick to it. That way, you only have to do a couple of little things at each sitting. :o) Lists help, too, because it feels good crossing things off and you can see your progress. Works like a charm.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Assuming you don't have 10 hrs to finish your thesis :) then
1. break the project up into sub-parts and set little goals. E.g. 1 st wk do lit search/library search and see what resources you have available, any specialty equipment needed; wk 2 read/evaluate sources; etc
2. depending on personal choice have a goal of how much time to devote to working on the project e.g. 1 hr with 1/2 hr break from 9-6; or 3 hrs straight and then watching tv, going to gym, etc afterwards then back to work.
3. write/ work on something concrete at least for some time each day so you can look back and see that there's progress.
4. take (depending on your schedule) time away from the project. Either the whole weekend, or nights, or scheduled days or you'll just spend time staring into space when you should be working.

good luck

Answer 3

Well, assuming that you have time to get it done and are not doing it last minute, here's what I would do.

Work an hour or so and take a 10-15 minute break. Or, you can break it up over days...research one day, freewriting another day, then pull it all together and it together a presentation another day.

That's the best way to stay focused. Eliminate all possible distractions, and take breaks when you need them. Don't get overwhelmed and try to work through the feeling...it never works. Take your time, and you will find that it is relatively easy to stay focused

Answer 4

I don't

this is the definition of being obsessive /compulsive I think

no, seriously, if you want to do that, just write things down, outlines, flowcharts, ishikawa charts, anyway write and build the thing piece by piece, till you have made or figured out whatever it is.

assign probabilities to each piece of info, then see what pieces fit and what doesn't. Its AMAZING what you can figure out like that.

Answer 5

You must keep reminding youself about what kind of joy you will get if you are sucess in the project,and on the contrary,how painful it will be if you are fail.