www.inkthinkerblog.com — Is there something wrong between you and The Project? Do you find yourself fantasizing about other projects when you’re supposed to be working on The Project? Does the thought of spending time with The Project make you want to fake a sudden, extreme headache and lie on the couch with a cool cloth over your eyes?
When breaking up is not an option, here are four ways to fall back in love with The Project — or at least get it off your desk.
- Remember the money. If nothing else, getting this project finished and invoiced means more money in your bank account. And although most of us aren’t in the writing biz because we believe it will make us fabulously wealthy beyond our wildest dreams, we do like to pay our bills. Well, maybe we don’t like actually paying bills, but having them paid is critical to continuing the lifestyle to which we have been accustomed. No completion, no money. Now get to work.
- Remember the status. Every project you complete is one more item to put on your resume or credit list, one more piece of evidence that you’re an amazing freelancer, and one more client who will give you rave reviews when asked to provide a reference. Even if you don’t love the work, think of it as a stepping stone in your career, and just put one foot in front of the other.
- Remember the intrigue. Something attracted you to the project in the first place. What was it? Maybe it’s cash (#1) or career growth (#2), but I bet there was something else, too. Perhaps it was the opportunity to try something you’ve never done before, or the chance to get back to a type of project you haven’t done in a while. Maybe the subject matter is particularly interesting, or the material unique in some way. Focus on what’s interesting in the project (instead of what’s boring), and let yourself get excited about working on it.
- Remember the impact. Your getting through the project and doing your standard excellent work on it will mean something to your client. Whether they’re just grateful for a job well done on something run of the mill, or thrilled to have the next piece in their career plan ready to roll, your client is depending on you and your expertise to accomplish a goal. Don’t let him or her down.
If even money, prestige, personal interest, and humanitarianism aren’t enough to, you still need to suck it up and finish so you can end the project once and for all. The more you procrastinate, the harder it will be to say goodbye — literally. Think of this as a learning experience to remind you later of what you’re looking for in a relationship before you accept another project that’s just not right for you.
How do you deal when you just don’t want to deal?
Tags: freelance writing blog, freelance writing, freelance, writing, advice for freelancers, loving what you do, finishing difficult projects, inkthinker, kristen king
Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King
Comments on this entry are closed.
Eventually I suck it up and do just what you suggested–think about the payday and get it off my desk! (Okay lap, I’m hardly ever really at a desk).
Of course that is, when I’m done procrastinating….
I remind myself that “I’ll feel better afterwards.”I know it sounds like a cliche,but when a project drags on too long, I feel tired and out of sorts; as if I’m carrying a heavy burden. Once it’s completed, my body adjusts accordingly.
What do you do with a job that is an ongoing commitment?
I’ve got a regular gig that I’ve learnt to dread. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with the job. It pays reasonable money (which is one of the big things I’m holding onto), it’s a great credit for my resume, it offers opportunities to hone my writing skill, and I really want to satisfy and keep this client happy but…
It’s still dragging on. It’s just a mindset and I’ve learnt that the truth is, I need to change my state, alter my associations. I don’t know what’s caused me to dread beginning but it happens with every project. In the end the only resolution is to get the butt in the chair and get it done.
I just wish I could remember how to love the processes.
Rebecca Laffar-Smith’s last blog post..Book Review: 10-Minute Clutter Control
I’m really struggling with a project right now. I’m sucking up and dealing, and I know once I get through it, I’ll feel better, but there is so much resistance and NOTHING is making me fall back in love with it. Sigh.
Devon Ellington’s last blog post..Ink’s Fourth Anniversary!
I am there right now. A regular gig that I am probably losing because my love interest has lost its luster. But I am determined to save the relationship. The project this week is dragging and it’s the kind of drag where you don’t even want to click open the file or flip the page… you purposely go around it. When I’ve hit that point (and I am sooo there this week) I try to look at it from a different angle. After all, I had gotten so far before it tanked. I look back and think was it something I said (the research didn’t jive)? Was it something I did (the tone had changed)? Knowing where the relationship went sour in the first place helps me to fix it and move it along.
Nikki’s last blog post..No April Fool’s Jokes Here
I have a few projects that get me from time to time. I think its more the 7-week-itch, though, because they are long term gigs that I usually enjoy.
Those times, I usually step back for a few, work on something else, and the enjoyment comes back.
Shannan P’s last blog post..Great New Resource For Paid Bloggers
Oh, yeah. I’m in this situation right now. Have an assignment with a prestigious newspaper, but it’s not going according to plan (as per the ed). She wants a ‘story’, I thought it was going to be a factual guide… big difference there. Deadline now and I’m still trying to rewrite the “tame” intro. Boo Hoo.
What keeps me going is that I really want to break into this pub and I don’t want to burn bridges at this stage. What’s distracting me is that I’ve got a long haul flight in about 12 hours and packing is a distant dream.
Oh, this post was just the kick in the pants that I needed! Thanks.
Angela WD’s last blog post..Look! Look! It’s my book!