I am a planner. I admit it. Let me make lists, research, draw diagrams, visualize, brainstorm, interview all day! At some point I have to pull the trigger and do the thing I've been planning on doing. It is challenging to know what is the right time to do the actually doing! In an effort to make things happen and be proactive, I have a few steps I like to take in my mind, or usually in my trusty notebook. If I start to feel like I have been in the planning stages for a long time I will think about these few things...

Project forward
I think about what the outcome will be when I complete my task or take on my next goal. This motivates me to execute my plans so I can realize the benefit. Considering the value forces me to focus on being done instead of being intimated by the work to do. Thinking about how my life, business, or relationships will be better push me forward into action. I often have to think through how this one action item impacts my other goals and plans. Each thing we do is only part of the journey and I, for one know I can't get to the end of the line if I don't take that first step.

Set Perfect Aside (for a minute)
We don't want to do things half-assed. I care about quality as much as the next guy! We all want to do things right the first time and not have to go back. Sometimes though, giving myself permission move forward and take action knowing that things might not create the exact results I want right away and reminding myself that I can make tweaks and changes as I go along opens me up to let go, take a step and do something! All the planning will be in vain if something isn't done at all, but will be used if I make the move and improve things along the way.

Review Priorities
If I've been planning for a while I sometimes neglect to prioritize my planning with actual doing. I have to make sure that I am evaluating how each project fits in with the other things I need to be working on. Usually, I will see that the items I've been dancing around for some time is ready to go and needs to be executed now and not put off any longer.

Step By Step
One more list...please! I love making lists so one more list I'll make is what I've done and what my next steps are. I feel confidence that the planning I have done has been comprehensive and that I know which is the next step to take. I can make that step, then the next, then the next without getting lost in the muck!

I have a lot of irons in the planning fire and over the next few weeks I'm going to really light some of them up and make some really neat stuff.

I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts on how you move from planning to doing and when you know you are ready to roll!

Each voiceover talent needs to make her own choices about what her career will look like. The allure of the gig economy is that it will be quick and easy to make a few bucks and you'll have the flexibility and time to do what you love in addition to what you do to make some money. This is a short-sighted view and doesn't build on-going success and long-term growth.

A smart voiceover talents will not think about her work gig-to-gig, but think in terms of a business. She will work towards building ongoing relationships with clients, focus on quality of work and delivering carefully crafted customer service as well as skillful products. An entrepreneur cares about their brand, reputation and growing their skills, not just cranking out work to move on to the next gig. We need to find the love and passion in building our own business and creating something more than just another gig. It takes patience, dedication and a lot of support, but I for one, already feel the benefit of being an entrepreneur as I grow my voiceover business as well as developing my technical and creative talents and skills. 

Join me as I continue my journey to make things easy for my clients...
Remember, if  you aren't working with me, you're working too hard.