Several months ago, this whole thing was an idea, literally a reply on a forum which I took too seriously.

And I’m glad I did.

 

And now? It’s not done yet, but it steadily getting in form.

All the parts were designed and printed.

All the orders are here.

Everything fits in.

 

Sure, there have been several surprises, but those were fixed and forgotten.

 

It seems now there is only the final assembly left.

Is it time to celebrate?

Not yet.

 

But, it is time to reflect.

Specifically, how do you handle a big idea and turn it into reality?

More specifically, how do you do it with all the other things in your life? Things that compete for your attention during the day?

Even more specifically, a recent question from my wife; how do you do all this?

 

It’s Simple

It is unbelievable, but the answer is a simple process:

  1. Decide
  2. Subdivide
  3. Schedule
  4. Follow through

 

It’s Not That Simple

For years I was good at the first two points (more like 1.5 first points).

I had bunch of ideas for the things that I want to create.

I even started some.

And sometimes even got beyond the starting point.

And then, one of these two happened:

  1. It took extremely long time to finish the project (and the excitement was gone).
  2. It got piled somewhere along with other unfinished things.

 

I had nothing to show for my efforts.

I love making stuff, but the ever-growing pile of unfinished projects was too frustrating.

 

Two years ago, I decided to change this.

Later, Instructables started.

And later, this blog.

Comparing the progress
V2 on top V1

 

Decide

Just decide what will be your project.

Congratulate yourself, decision is always the first step.

To sustain your decision,  go to the next step and start the subdivision.

 

Subdivide (and ask questions)

Longboard made of carbon tubes and 3d printed parts with batteries which fit inside the tubes.

Sounds big and complicated?

 

It is.

Where do you start?

Start by asking questions.

What are the smaller projects this longboard is made of?

 

  • Carbon tubes. What size? What length? How will the battery fit in?
  • End units. What is inside? What can be added? What material?
  • Batteries. How many can we fit in? What size? Capacity?
  • Cable routing. What is the most convenient way? Will it fit?
  • Speed controller. Which one? What are the limitations? What is needed?

 

Now where do you start?

At the first step.

Then go to the second.

Then third, and so on.

 

Considering each step alone removes the overwhelm of the big project.

It becomes manageable and doable.

 

Schedule

When are you going to do the next step?

Put it in your calendar.

Yep, just like that!

 

Without this, your projects will remain a good intention.

There are always more urgent tasks. And there will always be.

If it’s not in your calendar, it’s not being done.

 

Follow Through

Basically, a fancy way of saying: just do it!

 

This is the easy part.

You solved your two main problems: you know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Now it’s time to do what you love.

Finish the step.

Move to the next one.

Repeat.

 

And create something awesome.

 

Enjoy,

Dani

 

P.S.

This turned out to be off topic, I promise to get back to the project next week 🙂

Leave a comment if it was helpful to you.

And of course share your opinions and ideas.

 

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