At times we have to turn off the thinking and let the ideas come and go; let them mix with the experiences.

This week I received an email message that I have heard often.  The sender had registered for one of my webinars and shared that she has been doing a lot of soul searching about a career direction; about life direction.  A lot of thinking.  She wrote:

Unfortunately all the “thinking” consumes me… I guess I can summarize by saying
busy, busy but accomplishing very little except to survive. I usually function at a
happy level… but something is missing. I know I can do more and want to. But
how to parlay talents into money…I am looking for that perfect idea,
that perfect  fit for me.

I understand.  At times I find myself in the same conundrum. This past week I spoke with my students about the trap of doing a lot of “stuff” but not doing the right stuff.  Perhaps you have experienced this yourself. It’s the end of the day; you haven’t stopped all day; you’re exhausted.  But have you moved toward your goals? Or did you just do a lot of stuff?

Video recommendation for the week:

This video provides a reminder to me.  At the end of the day, when I cross out the day (never to have it again) did I move closer to my dreams?  Even when my dreams are a bit nebulous, what steps did I take to clarify them? 

Image: renjith krishnan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Back to the email above.  You’ll note the sender is looking for the “perfect idea.”  Than can be another trap. I have no idea what “perfect” is.   For me, that (searching for the “perfect” idea) would slow me down and become a reason not to do something.  If I were to concentrate on “this has to be perfect” I would end up doing nothing but a lot of thinking, fretting, and stalling.  I avoid the “perfect” syndrome.

Consider this example.  I wrote my first book about 15 years ago. It definitely was NOT perfect. It was, however, the start that I needed.  It got published.  That led to another book…better but still not a blockbuster.  Then another.  Now I am working on my 10^th.  Perfect yet? Not by a stretch. Not sure any of my books will ever be “perfect.”  I believe that they are “right” for the time I write them.  But if I had stopped and waited until I got it perfect, I would have missed out on a lot of opportunities and growth. 

Make no mistake. Just because a work is not “perfect” does not mean we have to “settle” for second rate stuff.  I don’t care for the phrase, “Oh, that is good enough.”  Generally, when I hear that, whatever is in question is NOT good enough.  I have an obligation to do the very best I can with every project I commit to doing. Integrity requires that. 

Image: Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Years ago a friend who is a professor and practicing psychologist offered this advice:

At times we have to turn off the thinking and let the ideas come and go;
let them mix with our experiences.  For a week or two, just turn off the analysis.  Calm the mind.

As 1960s as it might sound, at times we have to go with the flow. We might just have to   slow down in order to go faster.  

Enjoy your week—and H.T.R.B.as needed!

REGISTER NOW for my September, 6 2012 P.D.Q. Webinar “Develop and Deliver POW-WOW-ERFUL Presentations!”  Click here  or paste this link into your web browser: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6414521493740300288

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