I have been working on a project for nearly a year or so now, and it may take a year or two from now before I complete it. I constantly like to keep myself busy because I honestly hate it when a project is finished. I’m happy when a project is done for literally 10 minutes and then I’m left with the worst question I’ve ever asked myself: “Now what?”
We all have what we call “big projects” in our lives. Big can mean anything from working with a customer long-term to building a hot rod in your garage, to even more abstract projects like raising a child. I bring up raising a child because there’s a reason why some parents cry at their child’s graduation. You raised them to become an adult. They are officially their own person. You did it.  The project is finished. It’s extremely hard to let go of something you’ve worked so hard on, that you’ve devoted so much time and effort to complete.
Looking to find the next big project in your life? If I’ve completed one in the last few months or so, I do myself a favor and take a moment to debrief. I ask myself some honest and truthful questions:

• What was the outcome of this specific project? 
• Am I happy with the outcome?
• What was the best/worst part of the project?
• What have I learned from my mistakes?

Once answered, it’s time to think a little deeper and consider what I’ve learned from the answers:

• Did I enjoy this project?
• How can I capitalize on the success of this project?
• What questions were left unanswered?
• Is there another project that has been put on the back burner, that I must get back to?

Depending on the size of what I completed, these questions could take anywhere from 5 minutes to several months. It all depends on how meaningful the project was to me.
After finding some answers, I STILL don’t jump into the next big thing just yet. It’s time to focus on the big picture and that, of course, is me, myself and I. Let’s say that I just completed the project I mentioned earlier. I’m going ask many of the above questions, but I’m also going revise my resume because I will have a new perspective on my skill set and my aims as a professional. I will also reflect on who I am as a person. Did I change for better or for worse? Do I even want to continue down my project’s path or do I drastically want to shake things up?
For me, it’s natural to experience a bit of a “project hangover” after completing something big, but finding the perfect remedy to cure myself is critical. Feeling happy or depressed after a big project is extremely understandable. The things we do define us and losing them, whether by choice or design, is extremely hard. It’s why some of us find success to be impossible or worse, paralyzing.
The important thing to do, though, is to accept all the feelings, good or bad, and understand where they come from. Only then can you truly move forward and continue to complete your biggest project: your life.

Completing a big project can leave you on cloud nine – or at rock bottom. This week, the Video Guy shares how he reflects, accepts, and moves on from big projects. What cures do you use for your own project hangovers? Comment below or email Andrew directly.