I watch the flames lick around the sticks and branches placed in the fire pit. There’s one part that’s red-hot, the flames are high and jumping in an almost frenzied pace, then there’s an area which has not yet been touched by the heat, and lastly a part that’s already felt the heat of the fire and has been consumed. Around the base there’s the ashes remaining from previous hot spots. As I watch it occurs to me that many projects work in a very similar way. In fact, I work in a similar way.
The Red-Hot Area
The red-hot area is the thing I’m currently all-consumed with working on. It may be a project, an idea, or just something I’m interested in at the time. The passion is high and I’m fascinated with what is being worked on, regardless of the value of the idea, it may simply be something I’m curious about. This is the fun spot. This is where all projects should live until they’ve been completed.
The Untouched
The untouched part of the fire is like my to-do list. It’s the area of the fire that’s not yet been sucked into the flames. I haven’t begun work and maybe I won’t ever get to it. This is a challenge because if it’s on the list then I need to do it, but sometimes I lack the passion or the interest in getting around to it. There's potential here and sooner or later this part will become realized.
The Partially Consumed
The consumed part is what remains when the fire has moved on. It still maintains the structure of what it once was, almost as if it’s a shell or shadow of it’s previous existence. The consumed projects are those projects which have passed their prime. I’ve lost interest in working on them, they may have been partially successful but ultimately for one reason or another I quit on them. This is the worst state for projects. Shadows of what might have been.
The Remnants
The remnants are the ashes, the remains of past projects which are now dead and gone. Some have been successful, some have been failures. When they reach this stage there’s nothing left to them. You cannot return to them and you cannot rekindle a fire around them. This is the point of no return for the project. If it’s success remember it with fondness, if it’s not, learn the lessons you can from the experience.
So what does it mean?
Ok, so there’s my analogy. I think it’s appropriate but the question is what can I gain from it? How do I apply this to my current situation and how can I use it to improve myself. First, I must be able to identify where a project is. If it’s in one of the first three stages then I know there’s something left which can be returned to and worked on until its completed. Second, once I’ve identified where a project is I can give it the attention it requires to achieve the goals I’ve set. The untouched projects should be placed in a priority to give me something to start work on as soon as one project finishes. If it’s currently in the midst of the fire then I need to focus on completing it with strength. Don’t leave it partially consumed a monument to a distracted mind. Lastly if I recognize a project to be nothing but remnants then it’s a waste of time to try and build a fire from the ashes. If there truly is nothing left then a fire is impossible and my time is wasted trying. Sometimes I think it helps me to recognize where things are so I can spend my time most effectively. You may find other ways to identify your projects and prioritize your time. This is one way which works for me. Whatever the method the goal is the same. Spend your time effectively. Live your life with passion and be successful.