Start in the middle
Datum: 2024-03-19 09:45
When we are about to do something new, something neither we nor our colleagues have done before, it can be hard to know with what and where to start. Some of us then choose to procrastinate the task and do something easier instead.
Time flies and the deadline keeps getting closer. Of course, we finish on time, but the final parts of the task are done haphazardly and the quality of what we deliver does not live up to our usual high standard. If we had only gotten started sooner things would not have gotten so stressful and “slapdash” towards the end, but it was just so difficult to get the whole thing moving.
For you who prefer listening to reading, this post is also available as an episode of the “Done!” podcast:
Once upon a time …
Just before year 0, the Roman poet Horatius coined the saying “in medias res”, which can be translated as “beginning without introduction”. It is a stylistic measure where the writer starts right in the middle of the story and then gradually tells what has happened leading up to the dramatic sequence which the reader was first introduced to.
This trick is quite common nowadays and is used in both novels, films and TV shows. You probably know what I mean if you have ever seen a thriller that begins in the middle of a scene filled with car-chase stunts and shootings, followed by a vignette with the text “Three weeks earlier”.
Start in the middle and work your way out
We can use this concept as well when we do not know where to start, even if we are doing something else than writing a script. For example, we might:
- outline a complicated process which describes how something is supposed to be done
- formulate a difficult email
- prepare for an important presentation
- create steps in a project which are nothing like what we have previously encountered
Let us begin with what we know, something that probably fits in a bit further down the line, and we will sort the whole thing out eventually.
Do this
If you want to, take a moment right now to recall if there is something you have procrastinated due to not knowing where to start. If you come to think of something, write down or outline what is going to happen somewhere in the middle once the whole process is up and running. I am certain that you can think of at least a few things what need to be included somewhere throughout the project, task or process, even if you are still unsure of where to start.
As you move along, add whatever steps you come to think of before, in-between or after these initial pieces of the puzzle. In time you will get the whole picture — even that elusive first step.
The sooner you start, the faster you finish
If you dig right where you stand, start in the middle and use what pieces you have, you will get going a lot faster even if you feel hesitant as to where to start. Instead of procrastinating the task for no good reason and then get stressed towards the end, you will get the necessary work done with time to spare and better foresight, and you might even have time to check your work one extra time before you hand it over, thus producing even better results as a consequence. It is worth a try, wouldn’t you say?
What is your way?
Have you applied this trick or done something similar? If so, feel free to share it in an email to me.
By the way, Horatius also wrote ”Dimidium facti qui coepit habet”, which means “Half the work is done for he who has started”. A wise man, obviously.
(By the way, don’t consider yourself a failure if you have to begin again and again.)
I'll give you more!
If you want more tips on how to create good structure at work, there are many ways to get that from me - in podcasts, videos, books, talks and other formats.
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