Are you tired? Does it feel like you're never going to be on top of things?
You aren't alone. But here's some thinking that may help, from Online Spin: Overwhelmed? Stop Chasing Bright Shiny Objects!
One reason many people have that never-caught-up feeling is they're always chasing the Next Big Thing. Problem with that is, there's an endless supply of Next Big Things. You could spend all your time chasing down one, then another. But most of them fade away as fast as they appear. So if you're enamored of these "shiny objects," you will always be running in circles.
Why? The post at Online Spin has some good theories:
- It's easier to chase the latest headlines than to develop and stick to a true long-term strategy.
- You're not likely to get covered in the trades if you're doing the same old things.
- You're not likely to win industry awards if you're doing the same old things.
- We don't want to be seen as out of step....
- We know that all too often it's the sizzle that sells the steak.
- What's new makes better conversation at cocktail parties.
Don't exhaust yourself for such fleeting rewards.
Spend some time each week exploring what's new. But don't let it be an obsession. Be properly cynical about claims of each Next Big Thing. Spend most of your time on the Current Big Things, those un-sexy channels that are already setting your donors on fire with passion for your cause.
