Complete projects more efficiently with this unique idea on time. It is from Kenneth Atchity’s book, Writer’s Time. There are three different types of time: First Time, Middle Time, and End Time. In each stage the success strategies are vastly different. Atchity’s perspective is “The failure to recognize the difference among the three kinds of time leads to confusion, exhaustion and, at worst, depression and total inertia.” The key is to know what to do at each stage.

Time passes the slowest in First Time.

This is the most emotionally taxing phase. It is our brains first exposure to the idea or the process with the fewest tangible results. The beginning requires more focus and concentration. Just like a first date, there is much intensity but the least output. An easy option is to break down the beginning into much smaller steps. The interesting strategy is to tackle the middle part of your project first. This allows your thinking to move faster, rather than getting your mind stuck on all the organizational challenges, you can be productive instantly by starting in the middle.

Middle Time will end.

Perseverance is the key in Middle Time. Here it feels like the project will never get done. The risk is mostly physical exhaustion. Often we confuse our personal weariness with the projects value. We start to question the viability of the project. This is when many want to scrap the idea all together. It never seems good enough. The best strategy is to plan breaks in Middle Time. You need vacations to refresh. The down time leads to more efficiency during the go-time. Attempt to break down Middle Time in to small blocks of effort, until you are no longer overwhelmed by the task.

End Time feels exhilarating.

Often we know when we are in End Time, physically we feel energized and ready to complete. This can be the most productive time. It is similar to horses running to the barn at the end of a ride, when they know they are almost home. The risk here is to get off track and over work on new ideas or new tangents. The best strategy in End Time is to not change your work behavior too much, stay on track to the original target. The last boost of energy is meant to get you home safely.

Take advantage of time.

Time is an ever-changing experience. If we shift our strategies for where we are at in the project, we will accelerate our productivity. By understanding the elements of time, you can allow time to work for you.