Innovation is not born from the dream. Innovation is born from the struggle. ~ Simon Sinek
Simon’s words struck me. What is struggle and who defines what struggle is (and is not)?
According to the Dictionary, struggle has 3 meanings:
- to try very hard to do, achieve, or deal with something that is difficult or that causes problems
- to move with difficulty or with great effort
- to try to move yourself, an object, etc., by making a lot of effort
In the past few weeks, I have struggled with my blog posts. I just don’t know what to write and what I want to share with you. I’ll start composing a blog and then I get the “shiny object syndrome” and move onto something else that captures my interest and forget about writing.
I know as some who implements time management practices to others, I have not been doing a great job with my own practice. As I like to set aside a certain amount of time each week to share my stories and insights, I am getting caught up in the process.
As an ADHD individual, I have created systems to keep me on track for these types of interruptions. However, I’m faltering on the execution. I have the same issues you do, and I know how to get past it. Manage it. Structure it. Yes, even I fall off the wagon. But I can get back on. And I can show you how!
We all falter on execution sometimes… and perhaps that is the struggle we face. The level or difficulty of struggle is subjective and we each have a different understanding of what ”struggle” really is (for us) in life.
The planet Mercury is currently in a retrograde pattern (see my post here). I definitely can see how it’s affecting my communication. It’s affecting my verbal and written communication, my communication to you, and also my communication to myself. I need to sit down and come up with a plan to inspire myself. Innovation is defined as “the act or process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods.” I need to find a better way to motivate myself so I can get my ideas accomplished.
Here’s how I can help you with your struggle.
There are some days where you just can’t seem to focus. (I know I’ve had a few.) Yet, you know that you have a project looming, a deadline approaching, and you begin to panic. Where do I start? How will I focus? Help?!
Here are 6 Tips for Helping You Focus on that Project You’ve Been Avoiding
1) Make a plan
- Sit down and craft a plan. This can be a to-do list, a mind-map, or just journal your thoughts
2) Break up the project into smaller action steps
- Write down all the steps that could be associated with the project.
- Keep it all in one location (notebook, binder, etc)
3) Add the action steps into your calendar – action is done when deadlines are created. When a project is super important you need to make time to get it done
4) Use a timer to keep you on track of your time – it will keep you on task and eliminate many distractions
5) Delegate other activities that will take you away from your goal
- Other projects and activities often fall to the side and don’t get done. Many fear that if these (other items) aren’t worked on then they won’t be able to focus on the current task. Delegate what you can so you can focus on what needs to be done.
6) Share your goal with others
- When you share your goals with friends, family, colleagues they keep you on track. They ask about your project, they are excited to help and learn more, and they motivate you to want to finish.
Perfection is another form of Procrastination, so just do it! We often create our own struggle. Don’t wait for the timing to be right or for the action to be perfect. It’s about the process and what you can discover during this time. You might find out that the project took a different turn than you expected, or that it better than you thought it would be. Give yourself that adventure and now go out and get started on that project!
Keep me posted, let me know your thoughts on my FB page.
http://www.facebook.com/ASimplifiedLife
Wonderful tips on staying focused and just “getting it done.” Thanks for the memory jogger.