ACTIVITY: "Would I start this project today?"
A simple question that can free up hours of your time.
Every so often, I’ll suggest a short activity to help you feel less overwhelmed and more purposeful. You should be able to complete it in less than 15 minutes.
“If I weren’t already doing this thing, would I start it today?”
Review your projects and activities and ask this question. Challenge yourself to stop, pause, or completely remove at least one major project that no longer feels exciting or compelling.
We often continue with projects simply because we started them.
Maybe it’s the book we began writing two years ago. The side business that felt exciting once but now drains our energy. The volunteer commitment that made sense at the time but no longer fits the rest of our life. (I write from experience in each of these examples!)
This pattern can trap us in activities that no longer serve us, creating a constant sense of obligation and guilt. Meanwhile, our time and energy get tied up in things we wouldn't choose to begin today.
Here's a simple—yet powerful!—exercise to help:
Step 1: List Your Current Projects
Write down all your ongoing projects, commitments, and regular activities. Include work projects, volunteer commitments, side hustles, hobbies, and any recurring obligations.
Step 2: Apply the Fresh Eyes Test
For each item on your list, ask yourself: "If I weren't already doing this, would I start it today?" Be honest. Consider:
Does it still align with your current priorities?
Has your life changed in ways that make it less relevant?
Does this project feel energizing or draining?
Are you continuing out of genuine interest or “just because”?
Step 3: Identify What to Release
Look for projects that fail the "start it today" test. These are prime candidates for stopping, pausing, or removing entirely. Try to ignore sunk costs—focus on what makes sense going forward.
Step 4: Take Action
Choose at least one project to release. This might mean:
Officially ending a project that's been limping along
Taking a formal break from something you can revisit later
Simply admitting that this chapter is complete
Many people report feeling immediate relief after completing this exercise—it’s like taking off a heavy backpack they didn't realize they were carrying. It also opens up mental space for something new.
What if You Feel Stuck?
If you identify projects you'd rather not continue but feel you can't pause right now, consider these options:
Set a specific end date rather than an open-ended commitment
Gradually reduce your involvement instead of stopping abruptly
Have an honest conversation about your changing capacity
Remember: Stopping something isn't failure—it's smart resource management. Everything you let go of frees up time and mental space for activities that genuinely excite you or align with who you are today. 💚
The goal isn't to eliminate everything, but to ensure that your time and energy are invested in projects that still make sense for your current life and priorities.
This is soooo helpful! I’m going to give it a try. 💕
Soooo agree but difficult to do at times. I remember reading somewhere an author said you don’t have to finish this book if it sucks!! Just put it down and walk away! It was a revelation like I needed permission to say it’s ok not to finish if you’re doing something you don’t like, just stop now and do something that gives you pleasure 🤯
I started doing this in other areas of my life. Like watching a movie called the 10min rule. When watching a movie with friends-partner you give the movie 10min if anyone thinks the movie sucks then we change to another one. It’s very freeing!!
The sunken cost fallacy is hard to break. I’m going to remember the line “smart resource management”. Succinct and simple!