Years ago at a PTA meeting I figured out that just because I could do every job there didn’t mean I should. And it turns out that the same holds true today. The Bright Shiny Objects are much too intriguing and somehow I need to make a choice.
The more you know, the more opportunities there are
I can now efficiently produce a podcast from start to finish. I have the self-publishing process figured out. I’ve been blogging for fifteen years. That alone should keep me busy. And then there are videos. I’ve only done a few, but a recent webinar gave me ideas for how and why I should do a ton more. Learning opened new doors.
Choose to learn
I love to learn. So the mere process of exploring and mastering a new technique is stimulating. But I could also take what I know and get better at using it. It doesn’t always have to be about starting from scratch. If learning is your stimulation of choice, notice how far afield it takes you and then bring yourself back. Make something happen with what you know.
Make a choice because it’s your best way to do the job
A friend is beginning a new business. As we worked our way through the methods, blog posts, networking, courses, coaching, it turns out that writing in a conversational tone is not in her skill set. But she is very comfortable talking. So the choice was obvious, turn to videos to connect with people. Use your unique skills to accomplish what you set out to do.
What is the most fun to do?
We get to have fun in our business. Why else are we doing it if not to grow ourselves along with those we serve. When I did my first video I had a blast and then I remembered – I have two degrees in theater, of course I would like doing that. But I also like a whole lot of other things. And therein lies a problem for me.
What gives you the most return on time invested?
Certain things only you can do. Other things you can hire someone else to do. What is it that only you can do, and are you making time to do it?
There are just so many hours in the day. You have to make some choices about how you spend your time. I block my week off in broad areas of focus – a day to write, a day to do videos, a day to do podcasts. And I still have to be careful not to run out of days!
How can you best focus your time? What does that produce? How effective is it?
Find balance
Learning is great, it opens new doors. Doing is rewarding, it adds to your expertise. Results are the cumulation of your learning and doing. Consciously cut back on what you promised so that you have time to learn, to create and to enjoy the process. Don’t do it just because you can. Pick and choose what’s the most fun and the most effective. Then just do that.
To Sing a Deeper Song Consider:
Balance and the Flow of Living
Two Steps Past Hard
The Many Faces of Your Calling
What Do You Save Space for in Your Life?
42 – The Stuck Place Called Decision
40 – Who Do yo Want to Serve?