Podcasts · Tales From The Lane
Episode 124: The Projects That Change Your Life Rarely Have Deadlines
· 17 min · S3 E124
Episode Episode 124: The Projects That Change Your Life Rarely Have Deadlines
Ep. 124: The Projects That Change Your Life Rarely Have Deadlines
Why is it so easy to finish work for someone else... but so hard to make progress on the projects that matter most to us?
In this episode, I share a story from my years as a freelance musician in Boston. On paper, everything was going well. I had a thriving career, incredible opportunities, and a full calendar. But tucked away in a notebook were dozens of ambitious ideas that never became reality.
Then, in March of 2020, one idea finally did.
The Virtual Summer Cello Festival changed the course of my career and ultimately led me to coaching, writing Beyond Potential, and hosting this podcast.
So what was different?
It wasn't talent.
It wasn't confidence.
It was a deadline.
In this episode, we'll explore why the projects that have the greatest potential to transform your career rarely come with built-in accountability—and how you can create the momentum they need.
In this episode:
• Why meaningful projects are almost never assigned to us • How urgent work crowds out important work • The hidden power of public deadlines • How to work backward from your launch date • When to move a deadline—and when to keep going anyway • Why perfectionism often disguises itself as preparation
If you've been carrying around an idea for months—or years—this episode is your invitation to finally begin.
Ready to work on your own career-defining project?
Applications are now open for the Creators' Leadership Mastermind, where ambitious professionals come together to turn meaningful ideas into reality.
📅 Book a conversation with me
📖 Learn more about my latest book, Beyond Potential
📬 Subscribe to The Weekend List, my weekly newsletter
📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @kkayaian
Links in the notes 4
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