In my previous post, I wrote about keeping your focus through your project planning so you don't end up with analysis paralysis. This naturally-occurring phenomenon is not restricted to internet-based technologies. It can happen in the 'real world', as well.

Here is just ONE experience (of many) that I've had with this paralysis:

I love woodworking in my free time. I came up with a great idea for a weekend project: a simple, functional bookshelf for my office that would fit nicely with the style of our old house, and offer a stylish way to organize my design manuals. This was a small project that would have taken me two afternoons of my weekend, and appeased my need to build something with my bare hands.

It all started out innocently enough. I looked through design magazines and books for some nice styles. I came up with a perfect idea. I took all the measurements for the space I had and drew up the plans. I created a materials list and drove to the hardware store to buy what I needed. Everything is set! I'm excited and ready to start this weekend!

Before I started, I visited a friend's home and saw a shelf at their house that was absolutely amazing! I snapped some photos and ran home to do some research. I spent the weekend redesigning the shelves (instead of building them). I took new measurements; drew a new design; created a new materials list; and, ran to the store to buy a few more new materials. NOW, I'm ready to start... again!

Until... I find another cool feature in a magazine, or on a home improvement show. Then, I research, re-measure, re-design, go back to the store, get home. Okay, now I'm REALLY ready to start. Or, am I?

As you can see, what started out as a short, fun project turned into a long, drawn-out process because I couldn't make up my mind on the design. It should have been fun. But, instead, I not only made my life more stressful with change-after-change-after-change, and, I never finished the project.

My family also had to endure my stress, the clutter of materials lying around, and not having my attention focused on them, but on my project, instead.

Why am I talking about failed woodworking projects in a tech blog? Simple: these same principals ring true for web design projects - or, any projects - for businesses.

The internet is growing every, single day; with newer, faster, and cooler ways to market your business and bring in new clients. It makes setting up a new, or redesigned, website daunting. You will have questions bombarding you daily, like:

• Which social media outlet should we use?
• Which search engine is better to help increase site traffic?
• What programming language should my developers use to build it?
• Which new gadget can we NOT live without?
• What is our competitor doing on their site?

The possibilities are endless and nearly impossible to keep up with. But, reigning in your 'kid-in-a-candy-store' side can help you remain focused on your primary goal.

Stay tuned for Part 3 - Waffles: Great for Breakfast, Bad for Projects