How to Be Successful When Starting a New Project or Venture

One of the most difficult tasks for me to complete was my first children's book.  The idea had marinated in mind for quite some time before I ever actually started writing.  I just couldn't seem to get started.  There was never time to do it.  After the project was completed and as I began to talk to people about the book, one of the most repeated question I got was, "How did you do it?  How did you find the time and energy to get it done?"   Starting a new venture or project can be a daunting task, many times we never finish or even get started.  Here are 10 steps you may want to take when starting anew venture or project that will help you be successful.

1.      Don’t Procrastinate

The hardest part of any project is just getting started.  We tell ourselves that the time isn’t right, we don’t have the money, or we simply are afraid that we may fail.  When God deposits a new idea in you, don’t wait, just get started.

2.      Stay Committed

Sometimes getting started isn’t the issue.  The bigger issue is staying committed and completing the project.  Life happens and other responsibilities take us away from completing the project.  It’s easy to get sidetracked and abandon the project completely.  Stay committed and finish what you start.

3.      Consult the Experts

When seeking answers to questions on the best course of action, seek the experts.  There are experts in every field of work.  When finances are a problem do some research, buy a book written by a leader in your field, or surf the web.

4.      Set a Work Schedule

Scheduling time to work on your project is a sure fire way to ensure that it gets done.  Don’t try to fit the project in to your busy schedule.  Be intentional and schedule specific days and/or times when you will commit time to strictly working on your project.

5.      Check References

When hiring people to work on your project always ask for references.  If they can’t provide references then you may want to reconsider working with them.  Checking references can save you a lot of time and stress down the road. 

6.      Expand your Circle

Expanding your circle can be critical when taking on a new venture.  Getting around like-minded people or people who are where you want to be helps with personal growth.  It also helps you to get to your desired destination much sooner than trying to achieve it on your own.  It helps to be around people who have the same drive that you do so that on the difficult days they can be the push that you need to keep you going.

7.      Celebrate Milestones

Avoid getting discouraged if the project isn’t completed as fast you would like.  Progress is key, celebrate the baby steps because they matter.  Pat yourself on the back when you meet a deadline or you have figured out how to solve a problem.  Remember, “The race is not given to the swift or the strong but to he who endures until the end.” Ecclesiastes 9:11

8.      Learn from Your Mistakes

Avoid making the same mistakes again and again.  If it didn’t work the first time, chances are it isn’t going to work the next time.  Try a different approach or method that you haven’t tried before.   Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

9.      Do Everything in Excellence

Providing a service or good means nothing if it isn’t quality.  You want people to continue to seek you out, and they will do that if they are happy with what they received previously.  When your name is brought up, you want people to give you a glowing recommendation.  Be of good character and trustworthy.  The late Myles Munroe said, “Solid character will reflect itself in consistent behavior, while poor character will seek to hide behind deceptive words and actions.”  If you are unable to provide a service be honest, it’s perfectly acceptable to turn people away if you are unable to fulfill a request.  Many times people take on more than they can handle because they want the business, and in return they sacrifice a long term relationship that could have been established with a client/customer.

10.   Have Faith  

If God has given you a vision, if he has deposited something in you, then it is your responsibility to birth that thing.  There will be people who won’t believe, they will try to discourage you, and convince you that you should give up.  You can’t give up, God didn’t give them the vision, He gave it to you, and therefore they can’t “see” what you see.  If HE said it, then HE will make sure it happens, you must remain faithful and believe God.  No matter what it looks like, you keep working and watch God work.  “Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1.