Make Your Choice
photo by orangejack
I’m currently working on three new projects. This is in addition to the other things that I already do. So this morning, after I had my breakfast and my double espresso was starting to kick-in, I sat down to work.
The problem was – I couldn’t decide which project I should work on at that moment.
So what do you do when you can’t get started? You procrastinate! And what’s the best way to procrastinate? Social media! (I’m kidding (mostly). I know that social media isn’t JUST for procrastinating.)
“The only problem with having 3 projects on the go – is deciding which one to work on right now. How do YOU choose?”
“Work on the one you want to do the least. Do that first – it’s like eating your brussel sprouts so you can have dessert.”
“I don’t have any “brussel sprout” projects – life is too short to work on things you don’t like. I love all three projects.”
“I work on the one I feel most passionate/inspired by because I will get it done faster.”
“iny, meanie, Miny, moe works for me. LOL”
The more I thought about it – the more it made sense to adopt Cindy’s approach. After all: – I was equally passionate about all three projects, so what did it matter which I worked on? It’s not that I’m choosing between brussel sprouts and dessert, I’m choosing between three different desserts, therefore, there really can’t be a bad choice!
Great news, right? Yes, and I also came to another realization about WHEN to choose. I realize that if I had made my choice last night before bed, I would have been able to start my day with much more focus. Rather than being paralyzed at the thought of making the “wrong” choice, I would have just started to work on one of the projects. Naturally, I’m not going to be a slave to this process. If something isn’t working for me, or if something else (like writing this blog post) presents itself as more important, I can easily shift gears and return to the project later.
So that’s going to be my game-plan for these three projects until they are all complete: Each night before bed I’ll review where I’m at with each project and see if one of them is jumping out at me. If none demand my attention, I’ll simply choose one and go to sleep (knowing that my subconscious will be helping me with the project while I sleep). In the morning I’ll be able to easily move into action on the project.
What about you? How do you decide which choices to make?
(Thanks for your help Sherry, Andrea and Cindy!)
_
My name is Patrick Mathieu and I'm a speaker, author and coach. I developed The Power of Mortality™ and I've been featured in a full-length documentary film and appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including an hour-long interview with Dr. Oz on Oprah & Friends where we discussed my first book and my 
Get blog updates by email
Typically I have 2-3 projects on the go, and while some days I wake up in the same dilemma, I usually just go with what feels “right” in the moment. If it feels right then all my creativity will be in line with my purpose…if I am struggling, then I flip tasks. I have learned not to beat myself up over my procrastination or frustration, and just allow myself to organically move through life.
And if that doesn’t work, I will flip a coin.
Awesome Jennifer – I need to work more on that “not beating myself up” part.