1.1. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Write down your answers to the following question,

• What would you do if money, time, or other obligations were not a factor?

1.2 Get out a pen/pencil. Pull out your T-Popper.

• Put a star next to anything on the T-Popper that is currently not getting your attention. (Note: If you don’t want to write directly on your T-Popper, use a sticky or take notes on a separate piece of paper).
• What do you notice about what you starred?
  • Do you see themes between what you are prioritizing right now and what you aren’t?
    • If so, what themes do you notice?
  • Is there anything you would like to pay more attention to or focus on more?

• Refer back to your answer for #1.1. Is there anything you listed that is not on your T-Popper?
  • If so, should you add it to your T-Popper? Why/Why not?

1.3. Now, it is time to choose a focus for your passion project.

• Consider your answers to questions #1.1 and #1.2.
  • Do you want to focus on something, possibly new, that came to mind when you were brainstorming on #1.1?

OR

• Do you want to focus on something from your T-Popper that you aren’t currently focusing on?

OR

• Do you want to focus on something from your T-Popper that you are currently focusing on?

• Narrow your ideas down to three topics.

2.1. What problem are you trying to solve, or what skill are you trying to develop?

2.2. What will the final product or outcome of your project be?

2.3 Describe your project in one sentence.

3.1. What materials or tools will you need to gather to complete your project?

3.2. What information do you need, and where can you find it?

3.3. Build a Personal Ties Map.

Passion projects are a great opportunity to connect with those who share similar interests—and who can help you learn more about your topic and connect you to even more people who can help you learn even more!

• How to build your map:
  1. Your name sits in the bullseye.
  2. In the inner circle, put the names of people who you know and who have a skill you need to develop/use for your passion project and/or that have knowledge in the passion project’s topic.
  3. In the outer circle, put the names of people who you have heard of or know of (maybe a friend of a friend, someone’s parent, or an online forum) who have a skill you need to develop/use for your passion project and/or that have knowledge in the passion project’s topic.
  4. Tick Could keep me accountable for the names of people who could help you stay accountable to your project timeline and goals. They get a star on the map. These will likely be inner-circle people. However, if you can make a case for someone being an outer circle person who would be able/willing to hold you accountable, you can include them. If the person is already on your map, just tick the box next to their name.

Drag a name to move it between circles. Select a name and use the arrow keys to nudge it.

3.4 Make a plan to reach out for support.

Now that you have identified people who could help you on your project, you need to:

1. Pick 2-3 people to reach out to; including someone who is willing to be an accountability partner.
2. Draft an introductory email to each person in the space below.
3. When you are finished share with your Advisor for feedback.
4. Make edits, type, and send!

4.1. Create a detailed plan and timeline to guide your progress.

• What tasks need to be completed?
• How long will each task take?
• When will you complete each task?
• What resources will you need to complete each task? This can include getting help/advice from your support people that you identified in sections #3.3 and #3.4.

4.2. Make Google Calendar your friend.

Input the deadlines you identified above into your calendar. Choose a special color to make them stand out to you. You might want to set a reminder, as well.

5.1 Even when working on a passion project, it is easy to get distracted and unfocused at times. In the space below, reflect on the following questions:

• How will you know when you are starting to lose focus? What will start/stop happening? What will you start to feel?

• List three techniques you can use to re-focus on your project. Circle the one you are committed to using as a first response when you notice the signs of distraction.

5.2. Every project has expected and unexpected challenges. Use the space below to plan ahead for challenges and identify ways to overcome them.

• List 2-3 expected challenges. For each expected challenge, list strategies you can use to overcome each challenge, and who you can reach out to for support. (Hint: Refer to your #3.3 Personal Ties Map!)

• List 1-2 unexpected challenges. For each unexpected challenge, list strategies you can use to overcome each challenge, and who you can reach out to for support. (Hint: Refer to your #3.3 Personal Ties Map!)

Keep this workbook with you as you work to:

• Remind yourself of your goal and why you are doing the project.
• Refer to #4.1 to check off tasks/alter them as you go.
• Review your answers to “5. Setting up for Success” to remind you of the techniques you identified and committed to use to manage unfocus and handle challenges.

8.1 Use the space below to answer the following questions related to your passion.

• Has your passion grown for your topic? Why or why not?
• Do you plan to continue learning more about your topic and delving even deeper?
  • If so, where will you make space in your daily life to continue this project?

8.2 Reflection on Process

• To what extent did you follow your project plan? What made it easier/more difficult for you to follow the plan?
• If you were to plan the project again, what would you shift in terms of order of steps/tasks, timing, etc.?
• What (if any) tools that you used to stay focused/overcome challenges on this project will you use in future projects?

8.3. New Ideas

• Use the space below to list 2-3 new ideas for your next passion project. (These can include continuations of parts of this passion project).