Change execution trap: what not to do

We believe in action. In execution. In ticking the boxes on the task list. That's how things get done, right? — or are they...?

When I was building my first own business in 2015, I was all about the action. There were so many things to do. Dealing with vendors, setting up products logistics, accounting, online marketing, creating the website, etc. And so many new ideas were popping on my mind every day: new promotion, acquiring yet another vendor and listing new products, change the packaging, etc.

I had a looong task list and was trying to mark them all as done a.s.a.p. Only one day I found myself overwhelmed and too much embedded in operational agenda. I was chasing the task list, loosing the wider perspective.

That was strange. In my previous corporate career, I had been immune to this disease, always trying to keep my teams focused. What happened to me now? I realized that I violated my own principles and teachings. That's how tempting is the "let's do it" trap...

I had to take a step back — and reassess what I was doing. And prune the activities from a strategic perspective. Because, funny enough, not all of them were actually aligned with the long-term vision. I was burning some of my time, energy and resources in vain. Wow.

The change is not only about what you do — but perhaps even more importantly, about what you don't do.

Any unnecessary activity is diluting your focus — and jeopardising your change mission. Even if they look like great ideas, even if they look like "low hanging fruit" — they are the temptation you better resist :)

Choose your battles wisely — and make the change work!

#changemanagement #mistakesarelessons #makethechangework #changecoach #businessgrowthtips #freelancing #startuplessons #ecommerce #personalproductivity #tipsandtricks #productivityhacks #changemakers #projectmanagerlife