On Saturday I rode 50 miles in Pelotonia, a bike ride (not race) to end cancer.
Since I did not specifically train for the ride, 50 miles could seem daunting. However, since there are stops every 12-13 miles, it becomes very manageable.
Dividing the ride into segments makes it easy to focus. You just put your attention on the leg that you are riding. When you reach the rest stop you refuel and regenerate and then head to the next milestone.
The ride is a wonderful model for any big goal. Often projects can seem so overwhelming that we do not know how to begin. By breaking a large goal into smaller milestones and mapping out the route to finish, it becomes more manageable.
Taking breaks along the way and celebrating milestone completion will raise energy and the motivation to keep going. In addition, team camaraderie and support add fuel.
On the road to any big project there are bound to be bumps. Mapping the ride and creating milestones will help reduce stress and increase your focus, fun and fulfillment.