Projects are a lot like friendships: You meet someone new and instantly become best friends. You love everything about them: what they teach you, the challenges they throw your way, and the thrill you feel when you do something fun and successful together. They’re such a joy to be around.

Fast forward 7 months, and the charm starts to wear off. You hang out less, you don’t text or call back as much, and things that used to be charming now irritate you to no end. So, how in the world do people keep friendships—or better yet, work on 12-plus-month projects—and not pull their hair out?

Doing something over and over can exhaust creativity, productivity, and, ultimately, the integrity of the project. Here are some tips to keep you focused and not hating life as you know it. The project might not spark joy anymore, but that doesn’t mean you throw it out. It did make you giddy and happy once, so let’s try to get you back to the cordial space.

– Take a break from the giant task at hand. Spend a day or two working on another project. The deadline is too close for that? Better luck next time. Remember, your project manager is your friend. There are magical things they can do with deadlines if they know of your struggles early on.

– How do you feel after the break? Still disinterested? Or might it be avoidance? Sometimes, when projects take a long time and require lots of problem-solving, avoidance is a natural reaction. But avoid the avoidance. It only digs a deeper hole.

– Doodle. Doing something that has no actual goal or purpose. You’re not an artist? So what? It still helps your brain untangle the web of stuck.

– Cook yourself a meal. If you’ve never cooked before or don’t really enjoy cooking, do it anyway. You might appreciate Project X more. And you’ll be fed.

– Go outside. Nature is a great source of therapy.

– Read the Creative Brief—specifically the goals, call to action, and target audience to keep you on track and in the goal mindset.

– Have the client read the Creative Brief. With almost anything, the longer a project takes to finish, the more likely we are to fall off the course initially outlined. Remember to get back to basics.

– Take a deep breath and remember all the milestones you’ve reached. Write them down and pat yourself on the back for all your hard work. You’re so close.

In the end, some projects make you feel like you’re Bill Murray with the same ol’ same ol’. That’s OK. The good news is this is real life and things do come to an end. The bad news? This is real life and projects don’t magically complete themselves.

You got this.