It looks like we have enough folks to support an Ideaholics Support Group. I didn’t quite expect that. But, I find it really cool to know that I’m not on my own.
It was also interesting to read everyone’s strategies on how you manage all the ideas that come to you. And, as promised, I will share as much of my own strategies as I can. And, here’s one that I’d like to share with you right now…
It’s no secret: I’m a serial skill collector. I used to loathe the idea of being unable to “stick to one thing”, as people get all confused by such a situation in our niche-driven society. But, I’ve given up on having One Ultimate Passion.
I’m always going to want to learn new things. I’m always going to try and acquire new skills. I’m always going to be interested in a myriad of subjects.
That’s me.
Some people may consider this “lifelong learning”. Some may have not-so-nice names about such a thing. Me… Well, I you know that I refer to it as having a True Renaissance Soul.
However, even though I may have accepted this way of life, I am still prone to resisting the urge to fully give in to ‘the renaissance way’.
When a new idea comes up, I fight it with all my might. Telling it to go away, using a plethora of reasons in my arsenal -
• I have enough on my plate;
• I don’t have the time;
• It’s too expensive to start a new idea/hobby/project;
• There is such a thing as doing too much…
And on and on it goes…
But, the more I fight, the more I get antsy. I find it difficult to move in my existing projects. In fact, I even get all strange in my day-to-day life (as in, stranger than usual! 
).
So, I came up with: “60 Days to Something”.
This basically gives me ‘permission’ to give in to whatever “Obsession of the Moment” that I may have at any given time. Instead of fighting my yet another project-in-the-making, I decided that if an idea persists with me long enough, I will give it permission to come to life. Giving it 60 Days for a chance to make something of it.
If I lose steam within 60 days, that’s fine. I’ll just hang it in my “Project Ideas Archive”.
If I actually get to do something with it in 60 days, then it can go in my “Renaissance Soul Museum of Life”. It’s where I’ll collect whatever project I have that gets some kind of “completion” within 60 days. Completion may come in whatever way I can muster in that time limit.
And, if I decide to push through with the idea past 60 days, then I know that it’s a “keeper” of an idea. Worth investing more time, money, and energy in, if I’m really keen.
But yeah, to start with, I can give any given obsession/idea a chance to flourish within 60 Days. During this incubation-action period, I should be able to work within these guidelines:
1. Just say yes to any idea that persists. Yes, all ideas that seem to want to stay. Don’t overthink it. Don’t overanalyse. Just say yes – then put it on the 60 Days Plan.
2. Identify why you like this idea. Then, make a list of what you wish to get out of this idea. For example, if the brilliant idea is all about learning how to play the violin – identify why you want to learn it. Then, identify at least one thing that you wish to get out of learning it (e.g., be able to play at least three chords/notes). Make sure that one thing is ‘doable’ – not impossible!
3. The new project may be given a set budget to start with, depending on complexity and available funds. During these 60 days, no additional expense should be made for this new project. New budget may be given when the idea stays for longer than 60 days.
4. With time and money plans in place, list down the top activities/priorities that need to be done to get the idea in to action. Some sample activities/priorities may include: enroll in a class, buy/borrow and read a book (or other resource), contact a person and talk to that person, do a feasibility study, etc.
5. Choose one of those activities/priorities in the list and get working on it. Try it – then, move on the next when the time is right.
6. Track your progress. Keep a log, if possible.
7. Evaluate – and decide where the project/idea is headed.
So, there you go. My “60 Days to Something” plan. Let’s see how this one works out!
Background image source: Photoexpress.com (zulla)
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Grumba/Murfomurf 10.09.09 at 10:29 pm
Being an “ideaholic” from way back, I tried to start a Think Tank, but nobody joined, so I figured I was alone. It’s pretty daggy-looking at the moment, but without any interest I didn’t see any point in doing much to it. See if that stimulates the old idea juices to flow- any ideas welcome, preferably ideas that would result in something changing about the world, rather than just in your own house! I’ve help friends with huge project proposals about very practical things, so any small beginnings are worth exploring if they have possible practical applications!
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Shai Coggins reply on November 19th, 2009:
Hi, Kay. I think, it’s always a challenge to get people on board with these things. Sometimes, it takes a while to show how it will work and how it will benefit them. Maybe one day you’ll give it a go again?
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Rachel Cotterill 10.10.09 at 12:21 am
I love this idea, I wish I had the time to devote 60 days to every new idea that comes my way!
I wonder if the ‘60 days’ idea will persist beyond its initial 60 day limit…
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Shai Coggins reply on November 19th, 2009:
Hi, Rachel. Glad you liked the idea. For me, so far, so good… I mean, it’s kinda working in terms of “giving in” to some really persistent ideas until they go away (or stay for good). It helps with my sanity! The good thing about my approach to “60 Days” they don’t have to be a full day. As in, I can give in to that idea within that 60-day span and see how much of it will stick. If it stays, then, it’s a keeper. If it goes away, then… at least it won’t bug me anymore and I can concentrate on my “keepers”.
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Nicola 10.10.09 at 3:31 pm
I have the opposite problem, I have lots of time and like to keep busy, but I’m very limited in my choice of hobbies, I need to branch out. But into what?! This is going to become a bigger issue in just 19 days. After 10 years of study (in some capacity, not always full time), I am going to be DONE with my current qualification. And while I have plans in the medium-long term for future directions, right now I’m saying ‘no’ (so maybe I have a 6 years to something list?) and just sticking to my full time job, no further commitments. The problem is I can procrastinate the school year away, but as soon as there’s no readings, no essays, no classes I’m thoroughly bored with everything! Perhaps people could give their cast off ideas to me
. Either way I will start a list and write anything I think of to do on it, no matter how silly. Just to get ideas flowing, then perhaps I will have to narrow it down and implement the 60 days plan.
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Shai Coggins reply on November 19th, 2009:
Hi, Nicola. Ah, to have all that time to explore hobbies! So jealous.
And yes, at least you’ll now have a lot of time to explore and branch out. Good luck with it! And, congrats on finishing. Yay indeed. 
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Francesca Ivy 10.16.09 at 5:18 pm
This is such an inspiring read from you. I am excited to know how you’ll go about it. I’m looking forward to your next blog entries.
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Shai Coggins 11.19.09 at 1:50 pm
Hi, Francseca Ivy. I’m so glad that I can inspire someone like you with my ideas. It’s definitely moving along quite nicely for now, this ‘giving in’ plan. Let’s see what it produces after a while. ‘hope you get to find some of your own ideas to play with too.
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