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LM: #277: When to start less
As I’ve gotten better at finishing what I start, I’ve run into a conundrum.
My problem going into a project used to be I had no idea what to expect. How long or complex would the project be?
The solution was to start lots of projects. I’d get in over my head on many, but I’d learn from those false starts to make some finishes.
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I still often misjudge how complex a project will be. But now I can usually persevere to complete it anyway.
So the project takes more time and resources than I had expected, and I’m often in the midst of one project, thinking of all the others I want to work on once I’ve finished.
When I had finished little, it made sense to start a lot. Analysis would only lead to paralysis.
But now that I’ve finished a lot, I need to be more careful what I start. Each project is a commitment of several months or years. As I get older, I have fewer months and years to do all I dream, and less energy to fill a large portion of that time with effortful progress.
Paradoxically, when you can’t finish what you start, you should start more. When you can, you should start less.
Aphorism: “The less secure and confident you feel in the direction, the more surprises and excitement you will have in store.” —Jerry Seinfeld
Book: Youth In Revolt (Amazon) is another modern-day Catcher In the Rye.
Best,
David
P.S. Early in your journey, don’t fall into the trap of Too Many Ideas, Must Pick One.
