Sara Basloe Mental Fitness Blueprint

For virtually everyone who works on long-term projects that span days, weeks, and even months, their attention span and enthusiasm for the project can waver and drop off over time. Obviously, to complete such important projects, you need to remain engaged and enthusiastic on the project over the long term to ensure it is completed on time or ahead of schedule and at the highest possible quality. How can one work to keep his/her attention span and enthusiasm up throughout a long project?

A good way to keep your enthusiasm and attention span up throughout a long project is to focus on the post-project benefits and rewards you will receive when the project is finished and is done well. Of course, one of the primary things you will receive is payment, whether you work for a company or work for yourself as an entrepreneur or even an independent contractor. The monetary compensation you receive for your hard, consistent work throughout the project period is one benefit or reward you will receive.

Note, though, that it’s not just the money you will receive that should motivate you, as there are other benefits to think about as well. Think of the recognition and increased reputation you will receive from your bosses, peers, customers, and/or target markets when you complete a project well and on time. This can only the door to more profitable opportunities because people will want to work with you because you demonstrated skill and focus in completing a large, successful project on time.

In addition, think about the free time you will get after the project is over. All of the hard, sustained work you put in will lead to time off for you to recharge and enjoy as you choose. You could spend more time with your family/friends, do a leisurely activity you’ve been looking forward to doing, and/or purchase an item you’ve been wanting to buy for a while.

Also, think about how you will feel when the project is completed and has gone well. You will feel as if there was a giant weight lifted off of your shoulders. Additionally, you should experience feelings of joy and satisfaction from working hard on a project, doing it well and on time to benefit your business, your customers/target market, and your own reputation.

Therefore, when you are faced with a large project and have to sustain your motivation and focus during it, think about the long-term benefits and rewards you will receive once the project is finished. The more you focus on your work and the more efficient you are in completing that work, the sooner you will be able to enjoy those rewards and benefits.