Perhaps you are familiar with the round object known as a Tuit. It used to be very popular among salespeople who gave it to their clients or prospects when they promised to do something as soon as they would get around to it. Interestingly, there are enough procrastinators among us to comprise an entire Tuit market, which means that if you are stuck on hold with an idea or a project, you are not alone.
The Inertia of Indecision
In this crazy, busy world, we are challenged to juggle an unreasonable number of duties and tasks. The more we attempt to handle all the items on our to-do list, the more our energy is tapped. The energy that remains to initiate something new is extremely limited, even if our heart’s desire is to pursue it. Often, the thing we wish to accomplish most is relegated to the bottom of the stack.
A Clear, Singular Intention
Early-stage ideas or projects tend to be vague and incomplete. Ed Catmull, founder of Pixar Animation Studios, called them “ugly babies” in need of care and nurturing. The trouble with these ugly babies is that they are also complex. An idea that has been percolating in your mind for a long time has expanded in depth and breadth. It has transformed from an idea to a collection of ideas, which complicates your ability to act. It is essential at this stage that you pare your complex idea down to one clear intention if you are to move forward with it.
The Creative Process
When you initiate a project, you embark on a creative journey. Creating is the process of realizing a dream. Whether planning a vacation or building a home, the process is the same. People are born creators. We create all the time, often without thinking about it, which is why it becomes easy to get stuck. Knowing the four basic stages of the creative process will help you determine where you are on your path and how to progress.
As the image portrays, moving beyond the idea stage of a project requires a decision on your part. A decisive action is singular in nature and simple (not necessarily easy) to execute. Once you’ve moved your idea from imagination to a decision, you begin to make it real. Your next objective is to sharpen your focus through design. Ultimately, you move your design (aka plan) into production, where your idea is visible to the world. This simple four-step process is not always linear, and it’s common to find yourself back at the drawing board (design stage) or dreaming further as your project unfolds.
Finished Before You Start
Your ability to act on your idea comes from the clarity you achieve as you move through the creative process. Thus, before you begin production, your project is conceptually complete, and execution is the next logical step. Although the creative process is simple, it is seldom an easy path to take alone. Creative ideas are prone to the complexities in our minds and lives in general. When you have the guidance and support of an experienced team that understands your vision and asks clarifying questions to keep you on your path, you accelerate your success.
Success Authorities helps leaders break the cycle of decision fatigue and burnout with the Questions-to-Momentum™ Flywheel – a structured path that enhances creativity through clarifying questions, inspired action, and accelerated momentum.
