Question: Sometimes I get stuck on a project and can’t get my mind to think more quickly to get it done. Do you have any tips on what I can do?

Answer:  Breaking work down into specific tasks and then assigning timeframes for each task will keep you from being overwhelmed.  Think of it like eating a sandwich:  it’s really not comfortable or necessary to stuff the whole thing in your mouth; you’re much better off – and more likely both to finish and to enjoy the experience – if you eat it a bite at a time, with the occasional break for a sip of water or some conversation.

It’s also important to recognize personal productivity peaks and valleys and then use them intelligently.  Maybe you’re more alert and productive in the morning than in the afternoon or vice versa.  Use peaks to handle work that requires more of you.  Use valleys for easier work or work that’s more fun.

Finally, ask yourself why you’re getting stuck.  If it’s because the project isn’t really that important in light of other things on your plate, reconsider whether it’s what you should be working on right now.  If it’s because you don’t have all the info you need, get the necessary info first.  If it’s because you don’t really have the skills or expertise to do the project well, think about who does and how you can enroll their help.