We are wired to avoid pain of any kind. We dislike the discomfort of the unknown, and we don't like pressing up against our limits. As a result, when we are required to create something new or solve a problem in which we're experiencing a degree of confusion about the desired outcome, it can be difficult to even get started. It's much easier to ignore the problem or rely on our instincts and natural abilities to pull us through at the last minute. But this is not the path to brilliant work, it's simply the path of least resistance. In order to do our best work, we need to act on the things that are most important each and every day rather than allowing our fear of failure (or success) to define our work.
As we stare down the barrel of the new year and many of us are starting to work on all the things we'd like to accomplish in 2010, I'd like to challenge you to commit to starting well. If you can develop the discipline of starting each project well you will find your productivity (and the quality of your work) skyrocketing. (This is a subject in Seth Godin's new book Linchpin. I did an interview with Seth and will be releasing it in the next few days. Grab the AC podcast feed if you're not already subscribed: RSS / iTunes )
Many of us do the opposite, however, and find ourselves in a constant game of "catch-up." To start well we need to quickly define the problem, develop actionable ideas and get moving on them soon after conception rather than lingering and waiting for the best idea to "appear." The single most effective practice you can instill in this regard is regular, planned ideation around your most important priorities. I recommend an hour a week to do nothing but generate ideas for projects. If you can relieve yourself of the conceptual weight of still-needed ideas, you will find more energy and focus for getting things done.
There is no "magic bullet" for doing your best work. It will always be the result of the proper management of time, energy, stimulus, focus and relationships. Committing to engage early by starting each project well will help you find the conceptual margin to really pour yourself into your work and is also likely to be the genesis of many "creative accidents."
