I received this shout-out for help last week – and thought that many of you might feel the same way. So, I chose to answer Kym’s time management (choice management!!) question here on the SystemSavvy Consulting blog. Can you relate?
Dear Lisa,
My challenge is figuring out how to implement all the new ideas and information I receive. Don’t get me wrong, I love to learn and getting new ideas is GREAT, but every time I listen to a podcast I find another exciting idea I want to implement. AND is seems there are at least 18 steps to get each one going. Too many ideas and not enough time or help to implement them all!
I get all excited and I want to run off and work on the next new idea. I’m a mess with ‘shiny things’.
Sincerely,
Kym
Here’s my response. I’m curious, do you ever feel this way? What are your thoughts, strategies, and techniques to overcome? Be sure to leave your responses below!
[Tweet “What do you do when you are excited by the next shiny object?”]Dear Kym,
This “chasing the next shiny object” feeling is normal. Often, the next idea seems like the best idea . . . especially because it is new.
Often I remind my clients, “Finishing ONE project completely is better than thinking about (or starting) TEN projects.”
When struggling with which project to do next, I recommend using Stephen Covey’s Habit, Start with the End in Mind. Are you clear on the goals for your business and life? What are your priorities and values?
Sit down in a quiet space with a blank sheet of paper and a pencil (or pen!). If you think better using the computer, this exercise will also work using a blank document on your computer screen, or use mind mapping software. Then, create a list of projects. Those you are currently working on, and those that have recently come into your awareness through podcasts and other professional development activities.
Evaluate this list of projects in relation to your goals, values, priorities, and dreams. Which projects support these goals? Which seem “cool” but really aren’t aligned?
Now, look at your list, and from the projects that support your goals, prioritize the top three. Then ask yourself, “What are the characteristics of a new project that would cause me to abandon this one?” Have an idea of what a “better” project could look like while you are excited about your three priorities. NOT when you are excited by the next shiny object!
As each new, exciting, “shiny” object comes into your life rank that idea against the 3 projects you are already committed to. Would completing this new project get you closer to achieving your goals than what you are currently committed to? If so, consider swapping it out. (Remember, time is finite – you can’t do it all. It’s about choices!) If not, put it on the project list to evaluate once you finish one of your current three projects.
How we use our time each day is a choice. Deciding which projects to focus your time, energy, and enthusiasm on is your choice, based on your business, life, dreams, and goals. Once you have a process for evaluating where to spend your time, keeping control of the “shiny objects” becomes easier.
Sincerely,
Lisa
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The benefits of joining this COMPLIMENTARY challenge are:
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- Guidance from Lisa Crilley Mallis, your time strategy visionary, on how to live a life of A.W.E.
That’s great advice. When I plan my day it always goes better, not perfect, but better.
My main problem is how to divide by time between writing the many new books I want to write and promoting what I have already written, and there are so many ways to do that. I have so much I want to say but without promotion I’m not telling it to anyone, not to mention the “little matter” of keeping food on the table :)
Ana
Exactly! I’m going through that Catch 22 right now. I have a book on Create Space and another on Amazon . . . and I realized I need to promote both before I put another one out there!!! What is your favorite method of promoting? What are your top three priorities / projects? Thanks for the comment!
Lisa
Very good advice. Couldn’t come at a better time. Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning in ideas and don’t know were to start. Thanks for sharing
Herralio –
So glad you found this useful – I appreciate the comment. Which 3 ideas do you think you will start with?
Lisa
This question is just perfect! “Which projects seem “cool” but really aren’t aligned?” Often stopping and becoming aware of this really makes a difference. Many times we just jump from one thing to another without questioning the outcome :) Thanks Lisa!
Thanks for stopping by, Delia. I agree . . . just today I read something that I thought “wow, I should implement this suggestion on my website!” Then I thought . . . wait . . . where does this fall with the other 3 priorities you are working on? The website updates were added to my “project list” for evaluation later! lol
Lisa
I find myself needing to remind myself to “beware the shiny object” frequently. There are so many cool tools, resources, courses available – but unless they are aligned with your objective its best to keep your head down and stay focused – great post Lisa!
Agreed, Julie, agreed! Pick your priorities and laser focus until completion! Of course, I believe in evaluating along the way . . . but before pulling something else in . . . make sure what you are doing is not going to work! Appreciate the comment.
Lisa
Lisa, I don’t think I’ve found a favorite method of promoting yet – there are so many – I’m like a rabbit in the headlights. Blogging is a good way of getting he word out if you have an audience. Oh and other books are actually a good way as you can cross-promote so it’s worth having a few books out there (if you can ever find time to write them).
Thanks Ana! My current strategy is to promote my Kindle book for free to hopefully generate some buzz, then cross promote with my other ones. Fingers crossed for us both!
I like the question Which projects support these goals?
Working on goals might trigger anxiety when you don’t know what you need to accomplish that goal. In my own opinion the key to succeed is to write your projects (even if they are not as big as you think) You don’t know when that idea will sparkle again in your head, and could help you with some other projects and goals.
Remy
I agree – I have a list of every project in my head. Then, when I identify the next one to work on, I break it down into it’s next smallest step. Works for me! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Lisa
I always plan my days and I enjoy it, when I have a new idea I usually write it down, The big problem is that I find extremely hard to put many projects into pratice because I often don’t know whom should I contact in order to have the right bureaucratic support…
Clara
Tough one . . . knowing the correct resources to tap into! Many projects stall at this point. I often ask clients – who do you know that may know that resource you need. Not that THEY are the resource – but that they might know the right one. Sometimes – this can get the project back on track. Best of luck and thanks for the comment!
Lisa
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