✱ Now
I’ve created a Now page here on my web site. What’s a Now page? Great question. It’s a page where I’ve publicly stated the stuff I’m focusing on; therefore only the stuff I’m focusing on. As my priorities change, I’ll update it to reflect my current projects. Consider it a living document (which is something web pages are really good for).
I’m the type of person that has always been interested in many, many things. It’s always been hard for me to focus on just one or two main things. I mean, just look at the list of obsessions I have over there on the right side of this page. I love starting projects but I don’t always finish them, and that bugs me. For instance, a few years ago I decided that I was going to finish what I started and finally get my architecture license almost 20 years after graduating from architecture school. During that long, arduous studying and testing process I really wanted to start some new projects but I knew they would take my focus away from getting that damn license. So I negotiated with myself that I would not start anything new until I finished my last test. Once I got licensed, I started working on my trailer project the very next day, and I’ve been working on it ever since.
I haven’t been blogging much here or over on my Method website for a couple of years now, and the priorities on my Now page are the reason. The importance of having a Now page is that not only does it state what I’m currently focused on, but it also is an indicator of everything I’m not working on. Basically, if it’s not on the list, I’m not doing it. So if you have a project that you think you need me to help out with, check the list first. If it’s not related to one of those things, I’ll probably say no. Don’t worry, it’s not personal. I've just gained a heightened awareness that I need to continue to invest in myself and my personal development more than taking on things that scatter my focus. I’ve been doing this for the last 3 years and I am determined to continue. It’s been very rewarding so far.
This Now page wasn’t my idea. I read about it over on Derek Sivers’ web site first, where he talks about 'saying no’. I know it’s something I’ve needed help with for a long time. He recently created a page with information about what he's calling the Now Movement that you might want to check out as well. In fact, he was the guy who wrote No more Yes. It’s either HELL YEAH! or no that first got my attention on this matter.
Getting to the bottom of all of the clutter in my mind is the real reason for doing something like this. There are lots of people, myself included, that are open to saying ‘yes' to just about everything. Lots of people have written about all of the cool things that can happen when you say yes. It’s just not that season in my life right now. While there are so many cool things out there to do that I would like to be a part of, I’m resigned to the fact that I just can’t do everything. I’m doing the things that have meaning to me.
Do you have a Now page?
Consider making one if you don’t. Even if you don’t publish it online, it really helps focus your energy into the things you are passionate about. My thinking is that those are the things you’ll pour all of yourself into and do something really great. To me, that sounds much better than putting some of your energy into doing something that has bits of you in it and comes into the world in a mediocre way. It’s my goal to not do things half-assed any more. It’s just full-assed from now on.
If you do decide to make one, leave a link to it in the comments. I'd love to see it and find out what your passion projects are.