Putting Everything Together

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Melanie Griggs on February 25, 2012 at 4:05pm

Hi Sean,

I've had a lot of the same problems. I think for me I just need variety. I always enjoy starting new things or learning something new then I get bored after a certain amount of time and something else looks much more interesting to work on. Constantly repeating all the time. Then I'll go back to things I previously grew tired of and enjoy them again.

I seem to be getting a little better at keeping up with one task. But it's still a struggle. I need to know where I want to be and why I'm doing a certain task. If I keep a visual picture and sometimes write down what I want my life to be it's easier tostay focused. If I'm just doing different tasks or projects and don't have them organized and see where I'm going it's enough to drive me crazy! ;)

Permalink Reply by Sean Diedel on February 25, 2012 at 4:14pm

I agree, it drives me crazy too! My problem is that I have a ton of projects started and organized (I'm very organized) but I just can't seem to stick with one project. I have too many interest area and they are all interrelated, or can be. I think one of my big problems is that I'm trying to get everything to go together and it ends up being a HUGE project of putting together smaller projects that aren't even complete! LOL. I like the idea of trying to write down what I want my life to be so maybe I'll try doing that for awhile. I just hope that doesn't get out of control like my project ideas. I have tried in the past to write out weekly plans but I still just can't seem to stay on one task through to completion. I've always been that way but I want it to change! I don't necessarily get bored with something and drop it. I end up loving everything and trying to do it all so then I'm trying to do way too much. Okay, now I feel like I'm just rambling. Thanks for your input Melanie!

Permalink Reply by Deb Ingino on February 25, 2012 at 6:22pm

Hi Sean

I hear you. 

Often times we re easily distracted because its' not quite the right fit.

I would encourage you to find a fit that is in your Sweet Spot; that is it is focused on your passions, uses your strengths and provides you with satisfaction.

Attached is a PDF on discovering your passions and a worksheet on a successful six stop process to discovering your best focus. 

This will provide you with a good framework for the right approach.

All The Best

Deb Ingino

http://www.MyBestFocus.com

Attachments:

• 1 Discover Your Passion and Purpose.pdf, 130 KB
• MyBestFocusOutline.pdf, 602 KB

Permalink Reply by Sean Diedel on February 26, 2012 at 8:43pm

Deb,

Thanks for the worksheets! I'm working through them now. I've gotten through the first one and I'm working on the best focus one now. So far I'm still developing too many broad ideas that cover a bunch of different things but all have the same very basic things lol. I'm working on the part where I list 40-50 ideas that have my strength, passions and satisfaction factor. I've got about 30. Not sure what's coming up next but hopefully it'll help me laser in on something ehe :) Thanks again Deb! It's a great exercise! I've had a blast with it so far. I'm anxious to finish it and see what I come up with.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Graham on February 25, 2012 at 7:48pm

LOL, oh yes!  Totally have had the same problem, sometimes I still still do!  I like variety!

A couple of things that have helped me are:

Defining the projects...are they hobbies, work related, personal growth, etc?  Then I can plan time to work on each one and it keeps me interested because they are different but still moving me towards some type of completion.

Picking a major project...writing a book, working on a product, setting up a website or whatever....and breaking it down to smaller interesting parts.  Outline, one chapter, etc.  This keeps my interest because I can work on several things in the overall project but still have the variety too.

Do you think it is because you haven't found that "one" thing yet?

Permalink Reply by william kaska on February 26, 2012 at 2:11pm

yep..and its why im going back to driving...i want to enjoy the things God put into me..but economically...i cant...and i just dont have the kind of support system ive needed...i havent been on here in a very long time simply because,it just doesnt seem like these are the 'im having a hard times' blog..so i stopped writing...but im learning to focus...even if i have to do it by myself...im no lone ranger...but sometimes were forced to be such...i have music as a talent...and i have an upcoming run..looking to run 68 miles in a day...well see how it goes  :)

Permalink Reply by Royce Harrell on February 28, 2012 at 5:55pm

Sean,

One thought would be to test the projects/interests/ideas against what your mission statement says you are all about.  Does it or do they line up with your mission in life?  Best of luck.

Permalink Reply by Sean Diedel on February 28, 2012 at 7:50pm

That was a great idea Royce, thanks! It helped me narrow things down quite a bit more. I still ended up with quite a list of things to do but putting this in place at least got me down below 10, in fact I think I'm about at 5 now! So moving forward with just one or two of these ideas should be much easier to do now. 

Also thanks to you too Deb for that worksheet that REALLY helped me get things narrowed down a little differently than I had been doing things. I think I can move forward with my two ideas and be happy for awhile. Unless it's just not working. But I have a list of 41 things now! So I won't soon run out of ideas lol. 

Permalink Reply by Royce Harrell on February 28, 2012 at 8:19pm

Great.  I'm glad it was helpful.  Best of luck to you.  

Permalink Reply by Bill Johnson on February 29, 2012 at 8:19am

Hello all,

Sean's scenario is the exact same as mine so I can totally relate to the frustration.  I have moved into a variety of functions over the course of my career so far.  Because of my deep curiosity I was successful at most (but not all) of them :-).  I still get frustrated with my lack of focus sometimes but the two things that help me are:

1.  Recognize that this is part of your personality and who you are.  It is not necessarily something to be "fixed" but more to be "managed."

2.  Manage it by setting specific goals and timelines for each project.  If you want to write a book, set goals and a timeline.  When you've checked that off the list, move to the next project but follow a process.  The process will help you accomplish your varied interests.  Finally, set some review dates.  If you want to write a book, do a monthly check in with a gate.  If you consistently are not making progress towards your dates then that is a key indicator that it may be the wrong project or it might be ok to switch to something more in line with your true interests.

They say having a variety of interests is the sign of high intelligence.  I don't know who "they" are but it makes me feel better to keep that in mind :-)

With empathy and best wishes,

Bill

Permalink Reply by Sean Diedel on February 29, 2012 at 4:54pm

Great advice Bill. I'll definitely implement a plan with time lines. It's one of my strengths! haha! Thanks for the input!