When I was younger, I constantly had a pile of unfinished projects.
I still finished some things, so it looked like I had my shit together—but behind the scenes, there were half-started ideas everywhere. I’d get excited about something new, abandon the old thing, or hit a mistake and lose momentum. So the pile grew.
When I moved out, I only took what I absolutely needed. No old patterns, no scraps, no unfinished projects.
Bringing less meant getting more done.
Now my pirate dresses have turned into full cosplays—sewing, props, foam, 3D printing. There’s a lot involved.
It’s still evolving, but I’ve been developing a system to help me stay on track and actually finish things. I’ve completed three cosplays so far using this approach.
This isn’t perfect. I don’t follow it perfectly.
But it’s what I come back to when things start falling apart.
Step 1: Start with your project list (limit it)
I want to reinforce this bow so that it is sturdier and less fragile, along with upgrading other parts of my LoL Ashe cosplay.
There’s only so much time. You can’t do everything at once.
I limit my active projects to 5 max.
Each project has:
- a deadline
- a dependency (what actually needs to be done)
Example:
-
April 18 – Photoshoot
→ League of Legends Ashe -
May 15 – BlizzCon showcase application
→ Xal’atath website page -
July 31 – Renaissance Faire
→ Twilight’s Blade cultist -
September 9 – BlizzCon
→ Xal’atath 2.0
Projects don’t have to be cosplay—this includes things like my website too.
At this stage, no details. Just what and when.
Step 2: Create Milestones
Now break each project into pieces.
Not everything has to be listed—but it can be.
Example (LoL Ashe upgrades):
- Reinforce bow
- Arm wraps
- Full-size arrow
- Attach quiver
- Repaint armor
- Replace feathers
- Add corset details
- Cape gem + trim
That’s… a lot.
This isn’t a to-do list. It’s a wishlist / full scope view.
Prioritization comes later.
Step 3: Weekly Focus
Current state of the Blade of the Black Empire.
I work in weeks (starting Monday).
Pick 1–2 projects to focus on.
This doesn’t mean you can’t touch other things—it just reduces the chaos.
Example:
This week:
- Blade of the Black Empire
- Website
Even though other deadlines were sooner, I chose something that had been sitting unfinished for months.
You don’t always have to pick the most urgent thing—unless it’s con crunch time.
Step 4: Small, Specific Tasks (limit to 5)
Spike cap that I’m working on for the Blade of the Black Empire.
Now take your weekly projects and create a task list.
Limit: 5 tasks.
Why:
- prevents overwhelm
- gives flexibility if you get stuck or bored
Example:
- Blog about this system
- Spike cap (BotBE)
- Switch placement (BotBE)
- Battery cap removal (BotBE)
Some of these are vague—and that matters.
“Spike cap” actually included:
- drilling holes
- fitting rods
- testing magnets
- fixing mistakes
This was more of an engineering phase.
You can break it down further:
- cut rods
- drill holes
- fill gaps
And honestly? That’s better.
More small tasks = more things you can actually finish.
I use a whiteboard, and erasing completed tasks is weirdly satisfying.
Step 5: Reflect (WTH posts)
Ashe upgrades might have to wait. Photographer: Datsu Wota
At the end of the week, I reflect.
This turned into my “What the Hell Have I Been Working On?” posts.
Simple format:
- what I worked on
- what happened
- what I learned
- what’s next
This worked really well leading up to comic con.
Then I stopped doing it for two weeks.
And that’s okay.
What actually happens in practice
This system works.
When I use it.
And I don’t always use it.
Sometimes I:
- ignore my list
- hyperfocus on the wrong thing
- avoid everything entirely
But that’s not the point.
The point is that I have something to come back to.
Example: Adjusting the plan
After reflecting this week, I realized:
I’m probably not finishing LoL Ashe upgrades before the 4/18 photoshoot.
The bow alone is still unsolved.
So instead:
- switch to Overwatch Ashe (almost done)
- focus on small, known improvements
- break down website tasks into something manageable
This is part of the system too:
Adjust without spiraling.
Tools that help
My whiteboard, where I keep cosplay notes along with other todo items.
Accountability
If I tell a friend I’m going to work on something, I’m much more likely to actually do it.
This goes both ways—we can check in with each other and follow up on progress.
It doesn’t have to be the same type of project.
Body doubling / coworking
Working at the same time as someone else—even if you’re not in the same place.
You can:
- work with a friend (in person or remote)
- join a call and share what you’re working on
- use a Twitch stream or even something like Lofi Girl on YouTube
The point is: you’re not working alone.
Make it visible + personal
Use whatever works for you:
- whiteboard
- phone notes
- planner
- pinboard (real or virtual)
- colors, stickers, images
If it feels good to use, you’re more likely to come back to it.
TL;DR
- Limit your projects
- Break them into milestones
- Pick 1–2 per week
- Choose 5 small tasks
- Reflect and adjust
- Come back when you fall off