Focus on the foundations
If you tend to overthink, overanalyze, or struggle with perfectionism in any area of your life — let me suggest a simple exercise.
It’s easy to get caught up in the insignificant details of something, while forgetting about the actions that actually make a difference.
Instead of getting lost in these details, let’s talk about focusing on the foundations.
The Overwhelm of Information Overload
There’s an overwhelming amount of information out there about any subject under the sun.
Because of this, it’s easy to get lost in a rabbit hole of small details.
You start by doing a simple search about what camera is best for filming YouTube videos…
And an hour later you’re reading a Reddit thread about the importance of shutter speed and ND filters.
But what about the simple act of filming a great video — and more importantly — sharing it with the world?
Focusing too much on the wrong things is all too common.
And lately I’ve been finding myself worrying about things that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
This exercise has been a refreshing way to renew my perspective as we head into the new year.
Bringing It Back to the Basics
I’d argue that for any category of life, you can greatly benefit from bringing it back to the basics.
Here are a few areas of life that may benefit from doing the basics very well:
- health
- relationships
- business
- education
And beyond.
A good reminder is to keep the main thing, the main thing.
If you had to describe the thing you want to focus on to a child, what are the 3 main points you’d share?
These main points are usually the “basics” that are great to always keep top of mind.
For example: Let’s say you want to start an online business this year.
You’re bound to get stuck in a rabbit hole of overwhelming information when researching how to do so.
But what if you focused on the basics of any business?:
- Traffic (getting people “in the door”)
- Offer (providing a product or service to solve a problem)
- Conversion (turning visitors into buyers)
These are the three things every business needs.
And “focusing on the basics” can be applicable to any category of life that you want to improve.
Most often, the basics are the best place to start.
The Foundation of Creativity
In my new course, The Genius Journal, I cover the basics of creativity.
First off – journaling exercises to gain mental clarity and provide accountability.
Second – capturing inspiration from other sources in an organized way.
And finally – expanding on the ideas you have to learn faster and develop your unique perspective.
The course will be available for purchase in 3 DAYS(!!) and I’m stoked to share.
Question + Action Item
Q:
What category of life would you benefit from focusing on the basics?
Action item:
Write out the “3 main things” that summarize the basics of doing that thing well.
Add these basics to your calendar and begin “exercising” them this week.
That’s all for today. Have a great weekend!
–Eric Pfohl
