Over recent years and decades, the way the world works has changed. Developments in technology have truly changed the way we consume information and how we work. It has given us the opportunity to learn new skills, as well as engaging on an ever expanding range of projects. These developments have allowed us to have a meaningful impact on communities, both near and far.
It all sounds great, but the unrelenting nature of technology, and the way in which it keeps us glued to our phones does have its downsides. With fresh media being consumed around the clock, we constantly have to remind ourselves that what we are working on at this moment is the most important thing. This media and advertising bombardment can make it hard to keep focus and to resist the urge to move onto the next new project.
Now this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try new things. However, it makes it hard to tell when we should truly be giving up and trying something new, and when we’ve merely been distracted by advertising and ‘FOMO’.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do about it. Below are a few questions you can ask yourself about your current project before you decide to try something new.
Does This Still Fit with My Values?
Simply put, is the project you are working on still in alignment with your values? People get involved in projects for all kinds of reasons, often very admirable ones. However, what can often happen is that once people get deeper into a project, the realities of what they are doing becomes clearer. Say you join a start-up that is trying to provide services to the underprivileged. Helping those less fortunate may be a strong value of yours, but once you get stuck in, you learn that the true reason the business exists is to make money for the owners. Does your project still align with your values, or should you leave and try something new?
Have I Made Any Progress Toward My Goal?
Persistence is important, and no matter what we choose to do with our lives, always remember that nothing worth having in life comes easily. That being said, progress is also important. We don’t need to see progress towards our goals overnight, but regular signs that we are getting closer to our goals are important. If you are trying to grow your own business, it would be unrealistic to presume that we will start making money overnight. But progress doesn’t have to be financial, and you may see that attaining an extra client meeting every month is a small sign of progress. However, if you see yourself going an extended period without any noticeable progress at all (even small things), it may be time to ask yourself if your resources and time could be better allocated elsewhere.
Do I Still Believe in the Purpose of My Project?
Much like your values, believing in the purpose of your project is essential. Purpose does not have to be a practical outcome, purpose can mean anything to us. Let’s say, for example, that you dedicate yourself to learn a new language via an app. The goal of the project might be to ultimately learn a new language, but while learning the purpose or engaging regularly on the project might be simply to learn a bit more of the language.
Purpose might sound abstract, but when we are on the right path it is usually fairly easy to define. If you find yourself grasping at straws to answer what the purpose of your project is, it might be a good sign to stop and think if this is what you should really be doing. There is nothing wrong with admitting that what you are doing isn’t working out, and moving onto a new project might make it easier to define your purpose and prospective pathway.
The next time you are not sure if you should give up on a project and aim for something new, take a moment to ask yourself these three questions. Be brutally honest in your answers, it might just help you figure out your next step.
