Dealing with Project Roadblocks

reworking project timeline

When working on projects, especially large ones, roadblocks often appear.

You start out great. You have a vision and a lot of enthusiasm. But after a while you hit a snag.

Perhaps you went on a vacation. When you returned you had to deal with unpacking, picking up pets, sorting mail, doing extra laundry, etc. All of this made a break time on your project and it’s hard to get it going again.

The same thing happens when you are ill. New systems that you have been working on now are neglected. Things backslide. Even when you feel better your energy may be low for a while. You wonder if it is even worth continuing on the project.

Another possibility is that as you have been working on your project, certain parts of it have been set aside to finish later. And while you are moving forward overall, those stacks of unfinished papers to sort or items to take elsewhere stack up and you feel overwhelmed.

Roadblocks can also happen if you only go part way to setting up a system or if the system is too complicated.

Being aware that backsliding is happening is the first step to getting back on track.

Taking time to analyze what caused this roadblock is an important step toward getting back on track.

Ask yourself:

·        Am I finding other “more important” or “critical” things to do during my scheduled time to work on this project?

·        Is there something about the current system that doesn’t feel right or complete?

·        Is the system too complicated to maintain?

·        Am I overworking my schedule?

·        Am I feeling anxious?

·        Am I tired?

·        Am I avoiding the area that was being worked on?

·        Are piles beginning to reach the “unmanageable” stage again?

·        Am I buying items without first visualizing how they will be used and how they fit into my plan?

·        Have events or activities caused a setback?

·        Are my goals and vision shifting?

Once you figure out your “why” it’s easier to make changes to get back on track with your project. Don’t be judgmental as backsliding on projects happens to everyone at some time.

Make a conscious decision to get back on track. All new skills and projects take time to develop.

Brainstorm a list of what needs to happen now and start putting those tasks on your calendar. Maintenance on what you have already accomplished is important so also plan maintenance times for what is complete.  

Change is hard. It’s easy to just give up. But remember that you had a reason or a vision to work on this project originally. Go back and revisit that vision. Is the vision still true? Was the timeline unrealistic? Do you need to reach out and ask for some help?

Reward yourself as you work through each step of the project.

Mainly, be patient and kind with yourself. You’ve got this!

If you are struggling with completing an organizational project and want some help or accountability, join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space for You virtual support group. Each month everyone in the group chooses what project they want to complete.

Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, author of four books as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.