Surprise store runs are the #1 project killer.

I’d say “Imagine this…” but I know that you’ve already done it. In fact, we all have. You know, you’re mid-cut, flowing, making progress, and then you realize you’re out of 120-grit. Or the right bit. Or finish. Or screws.

And then, project over. Momentum gone. You spend an hour round-trip to run to Home Depot.

The 2-Minute Readiness Check

Before you start any project session, take 2 minutes:

  1. Next 3 steps: Ask yourself “what are you actually doing today?”
  2. Tools: Then check to see if you have everything you need.
  3. Materials: Is the wood, hardware, etc. ready?
  4. Consumables: Do you have sandpaper, glue, finish, fasteners?

If anything is missing, decide now. Not mid-cut. Not mid-glue-up.

Why Projects Stall

Projects stall because we rely on our memory. We think we have everything. We assume the bit is in the drawer. We figure there’s enough sandpaper.

But the reality is, systems beat memory every time. If you dont belive me, go read “Getting Things Done!, by David Allan.”

I write the next 3 steps before I start. If I can’t name the steps, I’m not ready yet.

Your Turn

Think about your next or current project. Can you name the next 3 steps right now? If not, that’s the readiness check telling you something.