Is “the pen mightier than the” shutter? It just might be. Maybe it depends on what you are trying to accomplish, but then maybe not.
It sounds fickle doesn’t it? Maybe it is this, but maybe it is that. It is not really as “wishy washy” as it sounds. It is actually very straightforward.
There are some lessons that can be learned from grabbing a pen over grabbing your camera especially when you going out to shoot something in a purposeful way. Those lessons revolve around planning and setting goals. These are truly crucial to your success and absolute in determining the cause of failure.
On the topic of “cause of failure”. This time of year sees a backlash related to goal setting. Many set so many goals for the New Year only to find that the goals they set are overwhelming. It can be a huge list with inexhaustible action items, or tasks. The term “daunting” enters their vocabulary and everyone is acutely aware of their propensity for stress.
Look at your goals. Go ahead, pull them out. Want some help?
Here is a simple exercise for you. Read through the entire exercise before you actually do it. You will see why this is necessary in the end.
The Red Line Method in Goal Setting
Step 1
Take the first page of your goals list. If you haven’t listed them one goal per line do that now. Once you have finished that fold the paper containing your list in half from bottom to top.
Step 2
Open the paper and lay it flat in front of you. Get a pair of scissors. Cut the paper containing your list of goals along the crease of the fold.
Step 3
Set the bottom half of the paper aside. Make sure it is out of your sight. Hide it if you have to.
Step 4
Take the top half of the paper and fold it again. This time fold it only to where your first goal is listed. Fold only to below the first line. Make sure your first goal is visible.
Step 5
Read your first goal.
Step 6
Take a red pen and draw a very straight line under the goal. You can use the border of the bottom of your paper as a guide in drawing the very straight line.
Step 7
Work on only that goal until it is done.
Now you could do all of the above or just look at that first goal and say, “I will work on only that goal until it is done.” In our society we are inundated with “how to’s”. They can be a real benefit to how we function, prepare, and accomplish. They can also be a detriment, because we can easily become lost in the process.
If you want to overcome the stress of feeling overwhelmed and accomplish the first goal then simply focus on it. Do only those things associated with it and then do not relent until it is done. Then you can move to the next goal in your list.
If you would like you can use the Red Line Method in Goal Setting again. However, taking that red pen you were made to retrieve for the exercise might serve to simplify things. Why not use it to simply cross that first goal off the list, so you can see that you have accomplished it.
