Thrive Through Personal Projects

In our pursuit of a fulfilling life, it often boils down to the projects we undertake. Recently, I encountered the concept of Personal Project Analysis, a methodology pioneered by personality psychologist Brian Little. This intriguing approach invites us to reflect on how we're really doing in life.

Considering the complexity of our lives, it's common not to have a clear grasp of our overall well-being. The solution lies in shifting our perspective from viewing life as a whole to examining individual facets of it—our personal projects.

Brian Little defines personal projects as "a set of interrelated acts extending over time, which is intended to maintain or attain a state of affairs foreseen by the individual." In simpler terms, personal projects are our goals—commitments we make to actions that lead us to what we desire.

Let's delve into the world of personal projects. They can be as diverse as losing weight, pursuing higher education, learning a new skill, or even redecorating your living room. These projects are the building blocks of our lives.

Personal projects and happiness are closely intertwined. Imagine two individuals: Ann, who passionately pursues meaningful personal projects, and Billy, who feels coerced into his endeavors, finding them uninspiring and challenging. It's evident that Ann is more likely to be happier than Billy.

So, where do you stand in this spectrum? Are you more aligned with Ann or Billy? To boost your happiness, life satisfaction, and overall well-being, it's crucial to reevaluate your personal projects. Here's how:

1. Make a List of Your Personal Projects: Start by listing all the personal projects you're currently involved in or considering. Narrow it down to the ten most significant ones—those you intend to work on in the coming months.

2. Assess Your Projects: Now, rate each of these ten projects on various dimensions such as importance, difficulty, visibility, control, and more. This evaluation will help you understand your feelings toward each project.

3. Explore Your Emotions: Reflect on how you feel when working on or thinking about these projects. Are you enthusiastic, frustrated, satisfied, or stressed? Your emotions profoundly affect your overall well-being.

4. Measure Your Progress: Determine how far you've progressed in each project. This step highlights your level of commitment and allows you to identify any stalled endeavors.

5. Analyze and Adapt: Armed with this information, decide which projects to keep, modify, or discard. Prioritize those that align with your values and bring positive emotions. Make necessary adjustments to enhance your experience with each project.

By continually assessing and refining your personal projects, you pave the way for a happier, more fulfilling life. 

Adrienne Davidson-Helgerson

Curious and passionate about all things that make for a meaningful existence.