For sixteen days this month I am writing a lesson learned from my 16 years in business. (You can scroll down from here to and read the introductory post
here.) This month I am writing something I am still learning, or relearning, or trying to get better at. I hope it is helpful for you too.
. . . . .
I think, in some way or another we all dabble. We become aware of something, get interested in it, pick it up for a bit, and then often move on. We dabble in hobbies, ideas, and tools. Some of us dabble in relationships or even careers.
I've dabbled in topics, exploring concepts that didn't always become an important part of my business. I've dabbled in approaches and tools; some of which we haven't benefited from -not because the idea is bad, but because we didn't stick with it.
I've observed Clients dabbling. Dabbling in a new product idea, in a new strategy. I've seen them struggle with change because they seem to change courses so often that the organization doesn't see the point.
There is a positive to dabbling. If we never try anything new, how can we innovate and improve? If you never try the food you don't like, a new author, or a new vendor, how will you know if it is desirable or an improvement?
The real danger of dabbling comes from a lack of commitment. Which leads me to a series of questions. . . .
Should we try new things?
Absolutely.
Should we also complete the things we start?
For sure.
Does this mean we must commit 100% to everything the minute we dabble?
Not necessarily.
The dangers of dabbling are in lack of focus for ourselves (and those we are leading) and in a lack of communication (to those we are leading).
The solution lies in being clear when we are tying something out for the sake of innovation and improvement, and when we are committing ourselves in a new direction, on a new path, and with a new approach.
Creating that clarify for ourselves and those we lead will reduce the dangers of dabbling, because while we may try as many things, we are trying them in pursuit of our larger goals and communicating our commitment once we get going.
Try new things, but commit to those that work, you are most interested in, or feel best about.
Many ways can get you to your desired goals, but at some point we must stop dabbling, and start doing.
Unleashing Your Remarkable Potential is Kevin Eikenberry’s guide to helping you have amazing success while developing your professional and personal potential.
Welcome! This was the home of my blog from March 2004 – November 2009. For my more recent writing to help you become more effective and successful, join me at our new blog – 
