5 Steps to Completing a Project

TODAY’S PROVERB: One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. Proverbs 18:9, TLV

A job well done is satisfying. No project is perfect — especially this one. There will always be flaws and mistakes, even with our best intentions. Some of us don’t even try because we don’t believe we can do it perfectly. Or we quit because the project isn’t going as expected.

But when neglect and laziness infiltrate what we do, it can have serious repercussions. From building a cake, to a skyscraper, to training up children into God-fearing adults, being slack in our efforts may have devastating results.

The successful entrepreneurs explain that finishing a project is not rocket science — unless you’re building a rocket. They share success begins in the mind.

As followers of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and His Son, Jesus, it can also begin with His direction. That inspiration is more than idea, it is a project given to us to do — with the understanding He will empower us to complete it.

So, whether our project is cleaning out a closet or coordinating an outreach or planning our child’s birthday party, the following steps can help.

5 Steps to Completing a Project:

1. Decide to finish. The first step of finishing is to make the decision that no matter what, we will finish this project. It might mean saying no to other brilliant ideas — or put them on the back burner as a reward when we finish. Let others know you’ll be otherwise engaged so they don’t interrupt. (Have kids? Do the best you can. 🙂 )

2. Make a plan.  Most projects take smaller tasks to complete. Breaking down each task into doable, action steps — you know, the proverbial checklist — let’s you know where you are in the completion process. Each task should have a deadline — an estimated time of completion.

3. Start. You’ve made a plan and broken it down into steps to help you attack and complete the project. The next most important step is to start. Experts say: Don’t wait until the morning or after lunch, get started now. Just do it!

4. Make your deadlines. Even in the best of plans, deadlines might need to be adjusted. However, in our minds, we should commit to them. Most people don’t finish what they start because they find excuses. If there aren’t any deadlines, the commitment to complete gets lost in the busyness of life. That deadline is a reminder of our commitment.

5. Don’t just finish, complete. This may seem redundant, but it’s not. Once that project is finished, what next? Is it a casserole for a neighbor, deliver it. Is it an article, submit it. Is it a gourmet meal, share it. However large or small the project make sure it sees its purpose realized and celebrate!

The first time we complete a new project gives us the experience and confidence to tackle the next one, wisely. Remember, in God’s eyes, it’s not about perfection, it’s about diligently following His will to the best of our ability.

May we seek to be diligent in all we do, my friends.

Proverbs 18:9 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs