The word “project” originates from the Latin word projectum, meaning “something thrown forth.” It’s derived from the verb proicere, combining pro- (forward) and iacere (to throw). Historically, it referred to a plan or idea “thrown forward” for consideration. Over time, the term evolved—through Old French (projet) and into English—to describe architectural plans, engineering endeavors, and eventually any temporary initiative with a defined goal, timeline, and resources. 

Today, a project can be anything you dream up, whether it’s tangible, like assembling an IKEA cabinet, or intangible, like planning a new business strategy. But here’s the catch: starting a project can feel overwhelming. 

You might overthink it, get stuck in the details, or struggle to take the first step. The fear of failure, the pressure to get it right, or the uncertainty of where to begin can keep you awake at night. 

Unfinished projects pile up, leaving you with missed opportunities and a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. That half-finished project isn’t just a task—it’s a reminder of your inability to follow through, holding you back from achieving your goals and feeling accomplished.

The solution lies in shifting your mindset and approach. Projects aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress. Whether you’re the type to meticulously follow instructions or the type to wing it, both approaches have their merits. For example, assembling an IKEA cabinet can be a lesson in adaptability. Some people read every line of the instructions, searching for screw C to place in part J with washer Z. Others skip the manual entirely, relying on visualization and intuition to piece it together. 

Both methods have their pitfalls: the first can lead to overcomplication and wasted time, while the second might result in a less-than-perfect outcome. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be perfect. 

The key is to evaluate your resources—time, tools, and energy—and set realistic expectations. Building a child’s bunk bed requires precision and safety, while assembling a cabinet for your plants might allow for more flexibility. The goal is to analyze what you want from the project and imagine the end point. 

Once you have a clear vision, you can begin. And as you work, you’ll adapt. You’ll figure out a rhythm, learn from tiny mistakes, and make quick adjustments. This process of adaptation is what moves the needle. It’s not about getting everything right the first time—it’s about persisting and persevering.

When you embrace this approach, something incredible happens. You stop fearing failure and start seeing it as part of the process. You gain confidence in your ability to solve problems and complete projects. That IKEA cabinet you struggled with? It’s now a testament to your persistence. 

That business idea you were too scared to start? It’s now a thriving venture. You feel empowered, in control, and proud of what you’ve accomplished. More importantly, you’ve developed a skill that goes beyond the project itself—the ability to tackle challenges head-on and adapt as you go. 

As Jay Shetty explains, you move through stages of competence: from unconscious incompetence (not knowing what you don’t know) to conscious incompetence (acknowledging the problem and feeling the pain of not knowing how to solve it). Then, through trial and error, you reach conscious competence—where you can complete the project because you’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Finally, you achieve unconscious competence, where the skill becomes second nature. 

You’re no longer just building cabinets or launching businesses; you’re building confidence, resilience, and a life filled with accomplishment. So, the next time you face a project, stare it right in the eye and say, “I’ve got you.” Fail with flair, persist with purpose, and celebrate the progress. Because nothing feels better than accomplishing the one thing you set out to do and winning at it.

As Mark Manson said, “Got lemons? Squeeze that shit in your eyeballs and say, what else you got?”