Strategize to Curtail Pondering Concepts and Initiate Progress in 4 Phases
As a mentor to individuals who frequently excel in talents and concepts, excessive deliberation frequently serves as the major hindrance preventing most people from progressing towards their objectives.
In fact, excessive deliberation is a sign of fatigue behavior - a symptom of what I classify as “machine mindset” that squanders unneeded energy and can contribute to feelings of burnout.
High achievers typically aim to view the entire staircase instead of merely focusing on a single step before commencing their journey. They insist on knowing how the smallest investment of effort and energy will bring them future success. However, the basic action of advancing an idea to its subsequent phase can provide a substantial sense of satisfaction, regardless of the nonsensical success criteria achieved.
If you've experienced difficulty establishing momentum for your personal brand initiative, creative idea, or business venture, here are four actions you can take to halt the excessive deliberation of your ideas and begin making progress at the start of the new year.
Step One - Zero in on a Single Specific Brand Project
Be distinct about one matter you are determined to address. This one matter does not necessitate covering every single facet of your expertise. It does not require incorporating every single passion you harbor. However, grant yourself the benefit of focus on one specific thing you can undertake to begin generating momentum. Relinquish the expectation for your concept to cater to every single requirement.
Step Two - Construct a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and Start Experimenting
Begin with what you possess and consider a concise project that allows space to address your single objective. Develop a limited version of the item you wish to bring into the world. For instance, if you have an idea to initiate your own brick-and-mortar cafe, an MVP could be a pop-up coffee stand that you manage once a month. The goal is to create something that links your name and brand to this new direction and provides you with information about what you prefer, what you dislike, where you may require additional support, or where you may need to bolster your abilities.
Step Three - Establish a Workflow Rhythm
Train yourself, and eventually your audience, by being structured and consistent, whether you're releasing content, or dedicating time each day, week, or month to work on your idea. Promote your progress by being consistent so that your audience understands what they can anticipate from you in this new direction you are establishing.
Step Four - Complete the Project with Capsule Projects or Limited Series
For example, if you are executing a coffee pop-up, commit to at least a three-month or even six-month limited series so that people begin to expect your presence. If you've always wanted to initiate a podcast, instead of introducing a comprehensive show that will continue indefinitely, instead commit to a bite-sized capsule of 12 episodes you can release over the subsequent three months. You may decide to proceed with the limited coffee pop-up series or the capsule podcast, but regardless of your decision, you have completed the project and can celebrate your achievement.
This procedure will also provide you with invaluable insights about what you enjoy and what drives you, so you can refine your approach and project going forward.
The 'cycle of overwork' often stems from the 'machine mindset', a tendency to overdeliberate and exhaust oneself, leading to feelings of burnout. Amanda Miller Littlejohn, an executive coach to black women and high achievers, advocates for addressing burnout behaviors through actionable steps. One such step is to focus on a single brand project, avoiding the trap of 'overthinking and burnout'. By creating a minimum viable product (MVP) and experimenting, individuals can gain momentum and valuable insights, preventing the 'cycle of overwork'.
