Secret to Productivity: Learn How to Say "No"
In the past month my days have been looking like this:
5am | Wake up
6am - 7am | Crossfit
8am - 5pm | Work
6pm - 7pm | Creative Projects/Conference Calls
7pm - 9pm | User Experience Design Class
Other days they're like this:
8am | Wake up
10am - 3:pm | Work on three different creative projects (while I currently have 5 on my plate)
3pm - Until | Be lazy and avoid phone calls from people who want something
I recently came across a case study done by King's College in London on how "Overthinking Worriers are Probably Creative Geniuses". As comical and true this might be, over thinking opportunities make it hard for us to just say "no". We think any opportunity that allows us to create should have us screaming yes! But in many cases this isn't true. What we don't realize is that taking on too much will lack the quality of products we produce for the world.
When I get overwhelmed in projects for other people I begin to shut down. Then I realize it's my fault. I end up pouring so much time into creating other people's aspirations, that I forget my goals and the products I want to build.
Just say it.
Simply put. Just say "no". It's okay to say this even if you have the time to do it. Remember - your business and portfolio is for you. If the project or opportunity at hand doesn't match your style, then it probably won't look great on your portfolio. If you want to be a web developer, don't keep picking up logo design work. After sometime, your portfolio is going to make you look like a graphic designer instead of a web designer.
Schedule your projects.
Let's say you are busy this month but an AMAZING project opens up for you. What do you do? Um obviously don't say no! Start planning. Let your client know that you are wrapping up other projects this month and that you can set up a call early next month to begin the planning phase. Follow up with emails to let them know you are still interested. Start questionnaires or surveys your client can fill out while you wrap up your other work.
Align projects with your personal goals.
Don't get involved with opportunities that won't benefit you in your creative path. For example, I am a financial consultant/accountant by trade but by love I work with web design. I personally like to travel and blog about that field (www.oneyoungtraveler.com) but I'm not going to go out and start a travel business with a friend because it has potential to boom in the next year. Stay focused. Keep your goals close and your creative network closer.
Separate personal relationships and business relationships.
Whether you are new in your trade or experienced, many of us fail in valuing our expertise. Don't give out free work because your sister / friend has an idea (learned the hard way a few times). Your true friends and family will pay you for your service even if it's at a discount. They should be supporting your work. There can be exceptions of course in this area (i.e. if you are starting a new business with someone) but make sure you understand your work is a business. Not a freebie.