It only takes a moment, but it makes all the difference. Before you begin your next project, stop to ask your deepest self how you define the scope of this new task.
The difference is one of inspiration and guidance. We all have this deepest self, and most of us are lucky to have had fortunate moments where we feel unstoppable because we are tethered to the momentum of our dreams – in these times we do not need to stop everything and check in with ourselves because we feel already wholly self-reliant due to being integrated with the forces that create, compel and motivate us.
However, there are many times even when working toward our dreams that we lack direction. Usually this is because the specific task may not seem to relate with the bigger picture. It is precisely in these trying moments that we must stop and give ourselves the self-reliance that begins all successful projects.
Why does self-reliance begin all successful projects? Because every individual has a unique relationship to the goals and forces that motivate their life. Acting with faith in the spirit of total reliance upon our goals takes the form of conquering oneself, and hence opens our personal gateway to success.
The problem arises when we already find that we are in an unproductive state of mind because we are pursuing information related to a new project that would benefit our goal if only we could find the right approach to it. It seems to happen more and more: We waste precious time researching what others have done or said on our topics. We spend all sorts of time on tangential tasks that may pay off if only the information were custom-tailored to be relevant to our specific project. The internet makes this very easy.
It is also quite easy to use digital sources to research a new project in a pointed and efficient manner if we know what we are looking for. Here is a valuable question to ask: How can I find only the information that pertains to my unique approach to this goal? Another useful question to ask is: How can I do it as fast as possible?
The short answer is: By being driven and inspired. But this isn’t possible unless we have an intense and relevant relationship with our driving force. If you do not know what specifically to research, you will have to spend more time figuring this out . . . and there is still the work of doing the project besides. Why waste time battling to integrate useless information?
My solution is simple and powerful. Begin by asking yourself. This step is one that very few people take, and the ones that do know the difference it makes. When you begin by asking yourself, you are laying your own foundation of integrity and honesty.
Here’s how to do it. Ask yourself the following questions:
* What do I think my project is? (Give your “At the end of the day. . .” response)
For example: “At the end of the day, my project is a revolutionary eBook program detailing a new style of meditation that anyone can implement at any time and any place. It involves a lot of research and many ins and outs, but basically, it is a daily program that lays the foundation for anyone to achieve more mindfulness and higher levels of fulfillment every day.”
* What does it sound like it could be?
* What is my intended result?
* What is the highest purpose of this project?
* How can I apply my own expertise to this project in the most exciting manner possible?
* How might it benefit others?
* Who could I get involved with this project?
* What will the finished product look and feel like?
No matter what your project is, fundamentally it will all come down to some sort of communication, which involves sincerity, honesty, and integrity. If you don’t have them, there’s almost no reason to communicate at all. Everyone can arrive at these feelings, and it doesn’t take long to begin seeing results.
Stephen Lloyd Webber earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. His poems, short fiction, and essays have been published in numerous literary journals including Yellow Medicine Review, Free Verse and Black Magnolias. He has exhibited a musical installation in Oklahoma, several sculptures in New Mexico, and has given poetry readings as well as exhibited paintings in New Mexico and Italy. He is a teacher of poetry and composition at New Mexico State University and also a certified personal trainer and activist for Population Connection. 2010 will be his fourth summer spent in Italy.
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