How to Choose Your Next Project

I think we all know the feeling you get when a project is coming to an end. It’s kind of like finishing a book. You’re excited to see the finished results but also sad to see it end (most of the time). That is, until you realize that you can start planning your next project. But how do you choose?! There’s a million things you want to dive into and it just seems impossible to pick one. Well I’ve been there too and I’m here to tell you that this process doesn’t always have to feel overwhelming.

Here are a few things I like to keep in mind while picking my next project. The first thing I like to do is follow the dopamine. When my current project is coming to a close I start to think about what projects I’m most excited to work on next. This part is usually pretty easy because I’m constantly thinking of new ideas for projects. I think it’s also important to mention that the reason I start with this step is because I find it much harder to dive into a project when I’m not as excited about it. If you have some projects that need to get done that you’re maybe not as excited for, a sense of urgency is also very motivating.

Once I have a good 2-4 options I start to break down the practical reasons for pursuing each project. Something that can often be a factor is your climate. As we creep closer to the winter months our outdoor projects become less and less desirable. So, while I may really want to start a new project outside, I’ll have to hold off because I know that I won’t have enough time to complete it before it gets too cold. The same could also be said if you live in a climate where the heat is too much to handle during your warmer months.

The third thing I try to keep in mind is equipment or rather my access to it. Will I have access to everything I need in order to complete this project or will my progress be stopped because I won’t be able to use the truck to get the lumber home. If you need to rent a piece of machinery, like a drum sander, then make sure you contact your store before you start. The piece of equipment you need may already be rented out to someone else.

Finally, the forth thing I also like to keep in mind is actually the project I’m currently working on. If I’m doing a full kitchen renovation now then I may want an easier project to work on next. Instead of building our new shed maybe I’d like to work on a bedroom redesign. Or maybe you’re the kind of person that needs or wants a less design centered project after you’ve just completed a major room renovation.

Let me know if you think these are things that you’ll keep in mind when you’re planning your next project. If you have a list of your own, feel free to share it with everyone or send it to me directly! I’d love to hear about your next project.