I know the feeling of trying to figure out how to pick your project! I have a giant master list of all the goals and activities I want to accomplish and experience in my life. However, we only have so much time and energy every day. I researched some tips to help make the most of my time and I hope they help you too!
In short: Prioritize.
Picking your Project
Write down all of the projects that you are looking to do. Then run them through this list to see which one survives or scores highest.
· What is the overall goal of starting your side project? Do you want extra income, learn a new skill, or provide a creative outlet?
· Which project excites you the most? Which would you not mind jumping out of bed at 5AM in the morning to tackle, or working on the weekends when everyone else is relaxing.
· Which project betters your life the most over the next several years? In short, which project adds the most value to your life based on your overall goal of starting a project in the first place.
Still need some more help? Check out this guide on how to pick your perfect side hustle!
Some Tips to Keep in Mind
1. What Works for You?
Some people take on extra projects as a form of stress relief from their job, and others are looking to make a multi-million dollar company in three years. You have to decide for yourself what your end goal is. There is no wrong answer! It is about building the project to work with the life you want to create!
2. Remember this project has to excite you!
You have the be the biggest advocate for whatever you are creating. Working on a project should be an exciting spice to add to your life, not something that should feel like an extra item on the to-do list.
3. Be realistic with your expectations and restraints.
How much time can you dedicate to a project right now? If you are working a 60+ hour a week job and have a family – trying to build an 8 figure business in your free time would be pretty tough. Not impossible, but difficult to do. Work with your constraints to find something you like. Maybe you are in that situation – but can start a side hustle a little less intense. Like reselling on eBay, working a blog, or promoting what you’ve learned on YouTube.
4. Goals and projects change.
Our goals shift as we get older. If all else fails, pick the project that you see yourself sticking with for the longest time that also has the most wiggle room to shift as your interests move.
Key Take-Away
Learning how to pick your project does not have to be hard. Run your project ideas through these questions and tips. Which one survives and makes you smile the most when thinking of tackling it?
Action Item
Then make a plan for how you can incorporate working on the project each day for the next week! See how that feels. If the project turns out to be a bore and stressful – try again with another project.
Stick with the one that adds the most value to your life!
