All big things start with the smallest steps, and are so impactful.

I think one of the barriers to getting a project organized is how to go about it. The other barrier is actually doing it. Everywhere I look someone is suggesting the next best approach, system, and apps. So many apps. So much tech. It's easy to get overwhelmed and suffer from paralysis of analysis.

I remember something Quentin Tarrantino once said about making films directed to the first time film maker. To paraphrase, Tarrantino said, "...if you're thinking about making your film, just make your film." In other words, if you're thinking about it, just do it. Now for something like making a film, even a short film, this might take some planning and investment before diving in. But for something more akin to making a short video for a personal (or budding professional) Youtube channel, you already have a powerful tool in your pocket - your phone.

I was reminded of this when thinking about starting a project that is both personal and related to my work. I have a device already in my pocket that can help me create what I need. The project I speak of involves journaling, with a bit more added on top. I'll explain.

I love scratching out thoughts, sketching, in a notebook or paper journal. Scribbling on graph ruled (my preference) paper with a pen or pencil I feel helps my mind enter that creative zone. The reality is for this particular project of mine is that it simply cannot be a paper journal. It has to be an interactive, sharable digital product. While fetching out a notebook is convenient for sitting back and getting ideas to flow, my journal will involve critical analysis and some conclusions to be drawn from actual data. I had this sense going in that this was not going to be a dairy, but a set of digital products that need to take advantage of platforms and software in order to create an involved record of progress as well as an analysis of said progress. On the technical side of things, my inner geek is filled with the possibilities. On a more practical side, this needs to be an actual usable set of tools.

Last weekend, I found some time to scratch out the bare-bones framework of what these products will look like as well as gather up content from my extensive paper notes. I love looking back and reading my initial thoughts and observations on phenomena as it reveals my head space when I first made them. Revisiting them allows me to add in more knowledge and form a cohesive plan, strategy, etc. The process has a catharsis, indeed. My vigor was renewed upon today's experiences and discussions. The fuel is there. The tools I will utilize to create are there. The challenge now is to actually CREATE this so very important product. Creating is fun until it becomes a chore. I simply cannot allow it to become a chore.

I'm glad I get to utilize some grounded time tomorrow to continue to work as my vehicle gets a service done. I'll keep everyone posted.

Thanks for reading!