Does this sound familiar? You have so many good ideas and exciting projects piling up that you wish there were more than 24 hours in a day. You try to start everything at once, hoping you’ll somehow finish it all, but instead you end up jumping from one project to another, and as a result, none of them get finished.
I’ve learned from my own experience that the solution isn’t working faster or harder, it’s choosing less. When you pick just one or two priorities at a time, break them into small steps, and give yourself permission (yes, exactly, give yourself permission) to pause the rest, progress finally happens.
Focusing on just a couple of projects doesn’t limit creativity. It gives it the space it needs to breathe without feeling anxious and to reach the finish line.
I’ve always been good at planning. I love mapping things out and setting goals, but following the plan has been the tricky part for me since my childhood. Over time, I realized it wasn’t a motivation problem, it was a planning style issue. I was making plans that looked great on paper but didn’t always fit real life. I wanted to accomplish a lot, forgetting even to leave some time for myself and my wellbeing that often turned into over burning syndrome.
So, I started paying attention to where things broke down and adjusted my approach: planning less, leaving more flexibility, breaking projects into smaller steps, and giving myself realistic time blocks instead of perfect schedules. Once I stopped treating the plan as a rulebook and started using it as a guide, it became much easier to follow, and stitching started to feel doable again.
Having a goal-setting plan and a project tracker honestly just makes everything feel lighter for me. Instead of juggling ideas in my head, I can see them clearly and take them one small step at a time. It keeps me focused without making things feel overwhelming. Each project has a color. I have a list of colors with the name of a project across that is associated with each color. I also add amount of time I spend on each project.
This is my Project and Time Tracker 2025. I spent 928 hours on stitching last year and accomplished a lot comparing to the previous years.
I love being able to look back and see my progress, especially on slower projects where it’s easy to forget how much work I’ve already done. It helps me stay consistent, relaxed, and confident, so I can enjoy stitching instead of stressing about finishing them all.
The tracker serves as a great guide showing progress I might otherwise overlook, reminding me that consistency matters more than speed, and helping me move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace rather than pressure.
I use a tracker to keep everything out of my head and in one place, which makes it easier to stay consistent without overthinking. The tracker helps me not to be tired of projects I am working on. This way, stitching stays enjoyable, flexible, and something I look forward to working on.
Instead of rushing into projects or setting unrealistic goals, let's approach 2026 with clarity. Here are some questions to think through and answer:
- Reflect on the past year: What projects brought you joy? Which ones felt like obligations? Do you need/want to keep working on projects that don't make you happy? Keep only what nourishes your creative spirit.
- Define your Vision: Think of 2-3 words that describe your 2026 creative focus. For instance, "reset and refocus", "refine and explore", "connect and balance", "beauty and growth".
- Set emotional goals, not just stitching goals: Instead of "finish 5 projects" try "create with inner peace", or "learn one new stitch", or "enjoy longer sessions without distraction".
- Design your vision board: Download the printable below Project and Time Tracker 2026, choose your year's color palette, favorite motifs, techniques you would like to master, and even emotional reminders like "I stitch To Feel Harmony".
What are your 2-3 words for 2026? or color palette? I am ready to color my new 2026 tracker. Are you?
Also, don't forget that Little things Make Big Days!
Happy New 2026 Year!
Natalia Frank
