Embrace the suck and get unstuck

        Having a goal creates a finish line we can understand. Completion of a goal requires planning and effort over multiple steps. The obstacles to beat along the way to the goal vary. Predictable obstacles are easy to compensate for, but there will always be situational snags or unforeseen challenges. In addition, our mindset hinders progress when we are disorganized, refuse to ask for help, or fail to consider other perspectives. Sometimes, you can throw money at a problem until you succeed, but that is rarely a good use of resources, and you miss out on understanding the process.

        Congratulations if you can breeze through new learning experiences. If not, you must embrace the suck until you start making progress. To coin a phrase, “It builds character.” View this as a time to tame your impatience and diversify your colorful vocabulary or family-friendly language. In any case, you must learn new words and skills to reach the goal. When you know the lingo, asking others about the process or looking up info is easier. Don’t let your mind or bad habits sabotage you. Create or find a space where you can concentrate on your studies and tasks.

        Initially, note-taking or making lists will help you organize your thoughts. Notes or lists should be short so you do not get overwhelmed. Brainstorm but only to dump a pile of things to sort, reorder, and edit. Pick an item with a clear starting point from the pile and focus on its completion before selecting another. Along the way, you can check off items, add to the list, or simplify it as you gain an understanding of the process. Writing about your progress helps commit it to memory and reinforces your ability to deploy abilities.

        This is your project, so don’t worry about pleasing the teacher, but be accurate. And to coin another phrase, “Practice makes perfect.” Remember, it is better to scrap your work and start fresh than bludgeon a prototype until it functions poorly. Save a reference copy if possible. Eventually, you will refine techniques to suit your needs or develop steps to make tasks easier. Money cannot buy proficiency.

        Getting stuck is a frustrating part of learning, especially when the finish line is in sight. At this point, you must trust the process to carry you through to the end. Keep the goal in sight while you navigate new barriers and tie loose ends. Remaining patient and focused is crucial, so do not rush or accept sloppiness. The time you spend polishing will reveal the details of how the job reaches completion and is a check on all the steps that led there. Test your work to make sure it does all of the things you want it to do. You do not need to explain the intricacies or demonstrate mastery of jargon. An education process never stops, but a project or goal concludes when you can say, “This is what is needed, how it works, and why.”

Usually, I mention my experience to highlight my essay. Currently, I am embracing the suck, am stuck, and have time management woes. So wish me luck as I follow my advice. I hope your efforts are smooth or something I mentioned frees you from a snag. Best wishes!

Visit uduforu.com for more about Martin E. Dodge and get email updates. The uduforu blog and uduforu vlog post every first of the month. Follow social media for uduforu on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.