Here are some suggestions.

First, develop a plan and set a goal.

As an example of developing a plan and setting a goal, think with me about reading the New Testament. Here’s the plan I often suggest to people. Read one chapter of the New Testament every day. If you follow this plan and even if you miss a few days, you will have read the New Testament in nine months.

Developing a plan and setting a goal makes all the difference in the world.

Second, do something. I know my “do something“ suggestion may seem rather silly, but it really is not. It is a very serious step in being creative and learning to finish projects.

For example, if I feel overwhelmed or frustrated, the most productive thing I can do is to get started and finish one thing. Even if it’s something small, just doing something seems to help me tremendously.

This is the exact approach I took Monday morning. I looked at my week and saw a full week and not much time to accomplish the things I needed to accomplish.

When I sat down, pushed through, and finally accomplished one thing, it seems to have propelled me toward accomplishing the things I need to finish this week.

I find that simply getting started with one small area helps me not to procrastinate and not to feel overwhelmed.

Third, follow your plan.

When I wrote my doctoral dissertation I set an ambitious goal and amazingly met it. That happened because I had a plan for what I had to do every day, and I stuck with the plan.

I have found that the more you accomplish the easier it is to stick with the program. There is simply something magical about accomplishing what you planned for the day. It helps make each successive day that much easier.

Finally, don’t give up. Keep working and push through even when it’s hard to keep going.