I hate my “to do” list. It not only has everything I am supposed to accomplish listed it also has little scribbling of thing I would like to do in the future. The problem arises when the things I would like to do take time away from what I am supposed to do. I tend to always have fifty ideas on the backburner and allow at least ten of them to distract me throughout the day. I am always thinking of new avenues my business could go down or new publications to send articles or new unit studies to write. You may think that sounds better than having no ideas at all. Yet, when the end result is the same because nothing gets accomplished, does it really matter if I had fifty good ideas?
I recently spoke about setting aside my current business to explore other options. Well, my other options are chaotic, free flowing, and distracting to my main goal of settling in and focusing on one thing. I keep trying to invent new ways to add my new idea into one company. Even if I can somehow marry the idea of selling magic beans and sewing princess dresses can I do both? The simple answer is no. At some point if I do not decide on focusing on one thing nothing will be accomplished and I will end up tired and frustrated. So, what am I to do?
If you are like me and have a constant flow of streaming ideas that needs focusing here are some tips I am beginning to learn.
What can I do now: I have several ideas and a few fall into the category of something I can do now without sacrificing, purchasing, or negotiating anything. Quite simply, I can start today with little risk to my bottom line. Logically, here is my starting point.
What must I do today: There is my starting point! I must force myself to cross those things off the list that must be done before moving ahead. At least I will know that if nothing else my primary concerns are taken care of and that is a beautiful feeling.
One thing: When I have several ideas I want to explore I try to pick one of those ideas and accomplish one thing related it and stop. Stopping is the hardest part but essential. Getting caught up in exploration when you have obligations on your plate will only cause you frustration. However, not exploring can do the same so balancing both will make you very happy as you go to bed that night.