Photograph Credit: Flickr (Craig Jewell)
In My Upcoming 2011-2012 Events‘ post, I shared my involvement with the Kid’s Zone for our Fall Festival. Preparations are underway with the event occurring in about 3 weeks. Yikes!
As I continued working through the details, I got distracted. In making a list of all the vendors, I discovered that I also needed a supply list. As I began another list of the supplies, I realized that I needed a map to know how far away the vendors will be from the power source for extension cords, mats, etc.
By this time I had worked for about 10 minutes without finishing one list. I was no closer to a solution than when I began. Does this happen to you? My brain wanted to plan all the details, but I had no framework for those details.
I. had. to. STOP!
Before getting overwhelmed and quitting, I needed to be using time wisely by changing my focus.
Develop a Framework
Before mastering the details, I needed a framework. Therefore, I went back to my initial list of vendors and finished it. Knowing all the vendors that needed to fit in that space, I sketched an initial map. This rough draft helps me see the big picture when adjustments are needed.
Consider the Sections
With the big picture in place and a tentative map, I then considered which vendors needed power. Identifying where the power sources would be and pairing vendors together, I assigned vendors to sections of the framework. Working through the different options within my framework keeps my momentum going with forward progress.
TIP: When I am brainstorming, I keep all my sketches. If a plan changes, I can go back to tweak a former sketch. Only when the plan is set will I discard my less-than-stellar sketches.
Work on the details
With a tentative map and sections determined, I concentrated on the details. Returning to the supply list, I then addressed where trash cans needed to be placed, the number of extension cords needed, etc.
By refocusing my scattered brain, that was working miles ahead of where I needed to start, I developed a framework, considered the sections, and worked on the details. In using time wisely, I accomplished the task at hand without frustration once I set a plan. As you can see from this example, I get overwhelmed. But by organizing my thoughts and writing down the ideas and options, I can accomplish much while using time wisely.
Question: What do you do to refocus when you get overwhelmed? Please let me know that I’m not the only one who struggles here. 🙂 Feel free to add your comments and suggestions.