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After more than two years of writing, research, and editing, I recently finished writing Superconductors, one of the hardest things I have ever done. I started thinking about all the successes I have achieved, especially the multi year endeavors, and looking at patterns or what led to successful out comes.  Here are some of the keys to doing really big hard long term projects:

1.  Set a clear deadline. It could be draining to not know when something would end. Setting a clear deadline in reaching your goal will help you to prevent yourself from procrastinating.
2. Have an emotional connection with the outcome. Search for that something that causes you to care so that you will be inspired to continue what you are doing.
3. Stakes. If you set a deadline but there is no real consequences or benefit from hitting that deadline it is unlikely you will reach it. You need to have both a stick (something bad that will happen if you don’t meet your goals) and a carrot (the good things that will come from hitting your goal).
4. Get lots of help and support. Guidance and support are really important when doing hard things. The vote of confidence of other people and your family can help you accomplish your task. It would be easier if you set up a support structure.
5. Maintain and manage your energy. Have that basic energy that allows you to show up each day. Do the bare minimum and maintain your physical body to have that high output.
6. Track your progress. See what you have done so that you can judge and measure the quality of what you have done.
7. Use your experience from other areas. Apply what you have learned what you have gone through in your life. You can always rely on your experience and grit when getting through difficult situations. Have a look at your success patterns and consider which have been the most helpful to you.

And if you want to know what all that work led to, you can preorder Superconductors now!