At the beginning of “Why Strategic Planning Is So Hard For Creative People,” Charlie quotes Michael Porter:
“The essence of strategy is that you must set limits on what you’re trying to accomplish.”
One of the benefits of drift is that it sometimes helps us realize that those constraints we applied (or even the objectives we targeted) as we did that initial strategic planning might not now be serving us. Just as the winds change, so can our plans.
Like Charlie said in this week’s post on personal drift:
“… get honest about what your drift is telling you. Are you avoiding something important that really does need your attention? Or are you discovering a path that better aligns with who you are and what matters most?”
Drift doesn’t always mean we need to “get back on (the same) track” we were on before. Sometimes, drift can lead us someplace new.
Drift can be a gift, when we use it as an opportunity to re-evaluate our plans. Whether that means sticking to our course but changing our approach, focusing on a new objective or project, or giving ourselves some space and grace to address those emergent situations that might have caused our drift in the first place.
~Steve and Maghan
A prompt to pause and reflect.
What constraints did you place on yourself or your project that might no longer be serving you as you’ve drifted from your original plans?
We’d love to hear what’s coming up for you.
Recognizing when you’ve drifted from your most important work is the first step — but re-evaluating your objectives, plans, and projects requires intention and support. Our Productivity Coaching helps you:
Identify when and why drift occurs in your work patterns
Create navigational tools to keep you aligned with your priorities
Develop course-correction strategies for when unexpected winds blow
Build resilience to maintain direction through challenging periods
This month, we’re continuing to explore drift, both our personal drift and the drift arc teams experience as priorities and circumstances shift. Join us for our upcoming call (or catch the replays) to navigate the drift arc in your personal and professional life.
(Replay Coming Soon!) Leadership Strategy Session from Wednesday, March 5.
Understanding the Drift Arc in Team Dynamics: Learn to recognize when your team is drifting and strategies to gently realign focus and energy.Monthly Momentum Call (MMC): Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 am PDT
Reclaiming Your Creative Momentum: Discover how to compassionately reconnect with projects that matter when life pulls you off course.
Paid subscribers get access to both these calls each month, plus the whole replay, notes, and extras. Free subscribers, consider upgrading your subscription to get access to the full replay and invitations to attend live next month!