Procrastinators Guide for Innovators
Procrastination is a thief of potential, time, happiness, and success. Innovators often don't realize have become procrastinators because of how many projects they start. While innovators start innovations, they fail to launch them.
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\nFailure to launch is one of the most insidious forms of procrastination. In innovation, you will get your next position or project based on your portfolio, not your resume. It's all about the\xa0execution. If you are interested in looking at a small sample of my portfolio, you can hop over\xa0to Techtrend.
\nFIRE – Execution Stage
\nThe\xa0FIRE innovation framework\xa0is a great way to avoid the trap of starting but not completing.
\nThe key is to move from stage to stage in the framework until you've launched your innovation.
\nPeople procrastinate the most in the execution stage.
\nIn the execution stage, things can get messy, but avoiding it is no excuse. As innovators, we tend to compare our ideas to others and want to launch something perfect.\xa0Perfectionism\xa0is one of the biggest roadblocks to creative output. Don't let the\xa0fear of failure\xa0block your chances of success.
\nAnti-Procrastination Tips for Innovators
\n1.\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Focus on one innovation.
\nYour focus will increase overall productivity as you will unlock the room for more innovations.
\n2.\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Set a deadline.
\nSetting intermediate deadlines for each task allows you to reach goals effectively. “The difference between a dream and a goal is a deadline.” – Harvey Mackay
\n3.\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Find an accountability partner.
\nA partner should be someone who keeps you on track and is supportive while offering honest feedback.
\n4.\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Break it down into smaller steps.
\nConsider using an agile innovation process that breaks down a project into short iterative cycles.
\nCheck out our podcast on\xa0The 7 Essential Ingredients of Agile Innovation.
\n5.\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Focus on your why.
\nYour why is the reason or your motivation for working on a particular project. If you can keep this in mind, it will help you push through the difficult times.
\n6.\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Celebrate your wins.
\nCelebrating each accomplishment will help you keep your focus and motivation high.
\nAchieving Innovation Success
\nRegarding innovation, it's important to remember that Rome wasn't built in one day.
\nYour first try will probably fail, and that is ok. It takes hard work, focus, and determination to be successful. If you follow the steps outlined, you'll be well on achieving your innovation goals.
\nTo know more about procrastination in innovation, listen to this week's show: Procrastinators‘ Guide for Innovators.