How successful people achieve multiple goals (+ why you can't even manage one!)

This video contains a clip from a module in my upcoming course on taking action on your goals.
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The clip addresses the common traps:
- Why you struggle to work on multiple goals simultaneously,
- How successful people do it
The full module I've released here: • How to achieve multipl...
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[@samsmith1580]

I call it the hump. Starting anything new involves getting over the hump. Once you have tried enough new things you instinctively understand that the hump is temporary.

[@RusuTraianCristian]

I concur. And you get higher velocity the more you try. Why? Because usually, starting businesses (especially as a new entrepreneur) is about trial and error. And the more you do things, the more you know what to do. Clearing the head also helps. I (embarassingly enough) spent 2 weeks once, trying to debug something. I called it a 'day' after two weeks and moved in other parts of the project. Having spent time in that other part, made me find the bug in literally 20 seconds when coming back into the buggy part. So yeah, simple things are overrated, I guess, but they do account for more than we give them credit.

[@MitchLally]

Seth Godin wrote a book about this phenomenon called ‘The Dip’.

[@79nsg]

"Impatience in action, patience in payoff" Can't recall who said this, but is a good one.

[@JoelDavisTalks]

"Impatience with actions, patiences with results" - Naval Ravikant

[@alcibiadesonthestreets]

Did this about 6 weeks ago for the first time in my life, I took two weeks off work to kick off the project and then spent the next 2 to 3 weeks every waking hour to get it to a place where it just requires an hour or two a day to maintain now. Now I'm already feeling like adding a 2nd project with that one being manageable. Perfect timing to see this now and have it explained!

[@James_Lim]

Yes! I love this! Thank you for sharing; this is EXACTLY what I mean and a great example. The way you actively dealt with it, choosing to take time off, is 👌 Historically, I really struggled to make progress because I was not willing to make the sacrifices that were ultimately needed to get the traction for the new project. I am always in awe and have total respect when I hear people do this because it is something I have found so hard. I'm pleased you are here!

[@Martin.Hansen]

As someone running 6 businesses, I only start projects that I know are "frontloadable" and are possible to automate/delegate/outsource in the short-term, but I haven't thought about it like this before. It's precisely what I do. Brilliant analogy and visualization!

[@James_Lim]

Hi Martin, thank you for sharing this. It's great to hear from someone running multiple businesses. I'm sure this will inspire others who read it! It's great that you already have a system for starting projects and know your capacity for "frontloadability!" In my experience, people who run multiple businesses have this concept down very well, to the point of intuition... Thank you for your kind words, too; it means a lot!

[@hamsam789]

Whats an example of something thats frontloadable in this context?

[@justvibing2497]

Doubt your running 6 business

[@TakeElite]

I'm glad to found you here, I lived TikTok because it was too much time consuming and you are one of the fews valuable content creator I miss

[@James_Lim]

I appreciate your words, It means a lot! I'll be posting a lot more content on here now too :-)

[@MadeInJack]

Hi! I'll just write the corrected version of your comment so that you can learn English :) I'm glad I have found you here, I left TikTok because it was too time consuming and you are one of the few valuable content creators I miss

[@tahaoz2122]

I've been attempting to deal with multiple projects and I see that you arrived at the similar conclusions I deduced. It's really comforting to hear the same insights from a different person.

[@James_Lim]

Thank you for sharing this! I'm glad it feels that way and you're on the right track! You got this💪

[@yalamanchilipramod]

Atleast, someone is thinking little deeper things. My body is secreting good hormones for thinking quite deep along with you. Thank you for being thoughtful.

[@James_Lim]

This is a clip from a module from my upcoming course. I have released the full module in a previous video. 🙏

[@ideegeniali]

I knew about the incredible power of building habits. But never tought of using that knowledge to help me give my everything when I'm nearing the peak of efforts. The idea that habit building ain't far away when efforts are at perceived peak is wonderful! Thank you!

[@agarwaldo]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on this topic. Simple and easy easy to understand, thank you!

[@James_Lim]

Wow, thank you so much! I worked really hard to make as digestible as possible behind the scenes, so I really appreciate hearing this. 🙏 😊

[@Mishkafofer]

Thank you for short video, no music and authenticity.

[@James_Lim]

and thank you for your support. I'm glad he video style works well for you. I'll keep it going!

[@dallassegno]

I personally do many at a time and just consider everything a life project. Then it all gets done. Break it all into small systems and chip away. If it gains massive success in a decade, that's great, even more in twenty? Fantastic.

[@James_Lim]

Glad to hear this works for you and you show there are many ways to achieve goals. Thanks for sharing.

[@JustPlayMusic6891]

I’ve worked like this, with Front-loading, with almost every project I’ve ever done. I didn’t know this was what I was doing when I was younger, but this habit made me seem very “smart” to classmates and it makes me seem “put together” to colleagues at work. I have gone back to non-employee work as I ramp up in my own business. However, I actually had to put aside working on my business to learn this new gig. But I know I am giving maximum focus to this project so that I can go back to working on my business without feeling as if I am not doing my best in both businesses. I was having some doubts recently because I had to completely put aside one project in order to quickly become efficient in this gig work. This short video reminded me of my natural rhythm. And I am encouraged to recall that I will reach the point (soon) where I can decrease the amount of effort I put into this gig and go back to progressing in my own company.

[@yoursubconscious]

this scale example is such a clear reminder! 🙏🙏🙏🙏 You just reminded me of the "pain" I went through organizing my new position after the promotion. I thought I was suck "forever' only to realize two month later, understanding more. Today, I am more relaxed yet do the same work. Thank you, really!

[@bamchel]

Very good analogy of launching projects with laughing airplanes 👍. Almost immediately, I had a boost of motivation and excitement to pursue my life projects. 😊

[@James_Lim]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked the analogy! You got this 💪

[@sgardypena955]

Wow. This video immediately helped me understand how to organize my time better. I’ve been trying to start too many new projects in parallel. Completely going to change the way I’ve been working on projects. Thank you for this!

[@James_Lim]

Glad it was helpful! Really pleased it's helped you understand how you can do things in a different way to still achieve your goals! Would love to hear how you get on, good luck! and thank you for your support here too🙏😊

[@westofbrickell]

This is so true. I would add that the "perceived initial amount of effort" or initial hump gets smaller with each new project because you have more practice and awareness of it.

[@kayodesamuel]

Great work, James! This put "The Dreyfus model of skill acquisition" into perspective. Thanks for sharing!

[@unknowninfinium4353]

What's this?

[@sirtom3011]

He’s actually describing the “hero’s journey”! Truth is, your whole LIFE is this. Not just starting a new job or learning each task yourself in a business and then handing it off to staff. In truth, your whole life is just fractals of this. I challenge anyone to show me ANYTHING….ANY ACTION OR EXPERIENCE that isn’t this. Can anyone do it?

[@narendarsv1773]

This video did NOT feel like 8 mins. This is exactly what i needed and looking back at things, this makes absolute sense. I was feeling burnt out while watching this video, but ig im at the peak rn, gotta hold on a bit more! thanks!

[@James_Lim]

Thank you! I appreciate your support, and I hope you manage to keep going!

[@allaricdeschain]

Graphical representation of the flywheel principle from Jim Collins, always good to have another way of representing or describing a similar pattern. Also helpful in explaining compounding efforts, when the height of the second or third peak is now lower (or the slope is more gradual) due to benefits from the first project.

[@leafyvegetables1018]

I loved the analogy, and the way you explained all of it!! Thank you!

[@James_Lim]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked the analogy!

[@LorissaNelson]

I am so happy this was on my homepage. Omg. And the analogies + simple yet brilliant illustrations were PERFECT for an ADHD brain like mine. Thank you!!! You’ve earned a new subscriber! Excited for new content from you.

[@James_Lim]

Thank you for your support this means a lot!!

[@James_Lim]

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed this video. If you liked it and found it helpful please let me know so I know what type of content you want to see more of! 😊

[@jiveshsehgal24]

Thanks for explaining it. Much needed!

[@shadyworld1]

Gold mine James ❤ You came to my recommendation in the most critical time in my life and down to that approach because it is convincing tbh!!! My problem is as ADHD I peak FAST consuming a lot of energy usually more than needed because, overwhelming, loving my job, and I lack focus Incase if some instructions “expectations” are not straightforward and clear! So I burnout Early, lacking focus, feel overwhelmed, etc. I need to adjust my energy, focus on what matters every time things start, and have a structure to Ask for what I need to do Straightforward to avoid vague expectations ahead and how to clarify them if they’re not realistic! So if you can Elaborate more based on my experience highlighted in my comment please which we both know it impacts a lot more than me you’ll be making a huge favor to us and I personally I’ll owe you huge favor for literally saving my life ❤

[@GuusvanReesofficial]

Very impressed by this video. I unconsciously knew this but bringing it to my conscious awareness really helped. Thank you James!

[@James_Lim]

Thank you! Sounds like you are doing this well. I'm glad raising the awareness has helped!

[@olipankhoma]

One of the best videos on productivity. Thank you!

[@James_Lim]

Wow this means a lot, thank you!

[@weichselbaumlukas]

Brilliant explanation and graphics. Nice work.

[@yokichuchen]

Thank you so much for sharing this to us.

[@James_Lim]

You're very welcome!

[@lucasjsnyder]

I've been making this mistake right now. This video really helped, thank you!

[@James_Lim]

Very easy to do, I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for yours support! 🙏

[@lucasjsnyder]

@@James_Lim No problem. I am curious if you've considered a higher price for your course or considered a premium course option or have something like that? No worries if you do not want to answer via YT comment. Thanks again.

[@yasamangoljoo5613]

I needed to hear this, Tha part about giving up at the peak, I did it. I guess it's wise to get back to it and see what will happen Thank you❤

[@DanielBro42]

I like that this video is some sort of presentation, subscribed! looking forward for more content and hidden gems of information from you my friend

[@James_Lim]

I appreciate your words! 🙏 And glad to have you onboard! Haha, I'm on a mission to make presentations cool again 😂

[@James_Lim]

Correction, I don't think they've ever been 🤔

[@wesselmartens1621]

Great visualisation. Thanks!

[@Takeonm]

Love this analogy! Very helpful

[@James_Lim]

Glad you liked it! Did my best to make it interesting! Thank you for supporting🙏😊

[@oruchechibuike6231]

This is invaluable! Thank you

[@James_Lim]

You are very welcome, glad you found it useful!

[@fire17102]

As a creator and a developer im looking into making tools that help bring that curve down. As i see it, theres a lot of overlap especially in the start. If we can make tools that help us in the lift off or even approaching the runway, we will be able to stack way more or even run them concurrently earlier on and focus more on the turbulence for each one. That's the dream, at least for me All the best!

[@nguyenconghuy3847]

Nice, please notify me when you release the app on google play. I use android device

[@nguyenconghuy3847]

a tracking or visualization tool for this concept is nice, maybe we might have some feature for user to estimate their energy base on some mental effort units, a feature for them to manage the efforts spent associate with each habit they want to build, tracking how many units consume each day, dashboard, graph,...

[@Happysoul_3]

This is awesome..you explained it so clearly.

[@James_Lim]

I appreciate your support! I'm glad it was well explained for you!

[@fire17102]

I've been looking more into how to do this! Thank for the visualizations! Apropo prediction, i immediately imagined the last "stacked" graph after seeing the first one, so happy you made it haha ❤ Subscribed!

[@James_Lim]

haha, thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you imagined the stacked graph, sounds like you've got the concept in your head now! Hope it helps and keep an eye out for more content!

[@fire17102]

@@James_Lim how would you call such a person, that has his head continuesly exploading with ideas/planes? I would describe myself as such, always more planes then runway, but as time goes on in learning to manage them. I'm also a developer and hope to create tools that help our kind of people. On another note I think we'll be good candidates for UBI programs, but not waiting on those either... All the best!

[@richardkulling1432]

Phenomenal lesson, thank you for sharing

[@James_Lim]

That means a lot! Thank you for showing your support, I tried hard to make it digestible!

[@arwinv9816]

Very good visualization & explanation. Good idea. Been searching for this on being stuck with multiple passions!

[@James_Lim]

Thank you!

[@SwiftNN]

Great video! I really loved your statement on our brain not being a prediction engine lol

[@Neylena]

Loved the question! I estimated 1,950,000 people (195 Countries in the world, estimating each one has a major airport with 50 international flights an hour carrying 200 passengers). Was close! 0:44

[@James_Lim]

Love that you attempted the calculation! Very close indeed 👌I hope you enjoyed the video!

[@abu2musa]

Fist time i'm hearing this theory and makes soo much sense, Somehow I thought is a talent many have but you get can at at that level by theory you shared. Just subscribed to more valaubel content.

[@lorancetk876]

Absolutely nice information ℹ️ ❤

[@Thtuy]

This is exactly what i meeded right niw thank you 💯

[@James_Lim]

You’re welcome 😊 Glad it's helpful!

[@paolinakoo]

Saw this on my home feed and am SO glad to “meet” you through this video! Your illustration of the airplanes & takeoff is perfect. Would you mind if I reposted a snippet to my instagram while tagging you to give you the credits?

[@SebaDiGiuseppe]

Amazingly simple, thanks

[@danmartin1621]

What you describe has been my experience....there has to be a period of time where the "project" is the primary focus.

[@dhavalkhandhadia]

Amazing insight! Thanks a lot

[@James_Lim]

Thank you! that means a lot

[@shubhatiwari3888]

This is Gold ✨

[@DgThao]

new sub for the topics you covered so far, keep posting

[@James_Lim]

Thank you for your support! I'll keep going!

[@travelchimps6637]

Great video! Never looked at it this way, i love this framework. It can also be applied on addictions a little bit, espacially the part with extrapolations

[@James_Lim]

Thank you! I appreciate your kind words and support. I'm glad you like the framework of thinking too 🙂

[@tlxreed]

dang, that's pretty useful. Even knowing how these things go doesn't put it into a format where you can do something about it. You reach that peak and your brain says 'f it' and the project gets canned.

[@HighLifeWorkout]

This is a good advice

[@untitledcorruption8959]

Very informative, thank you!

[@James_Lim]

I appreciate your words 😊 thank you!

[@dokterotakatik6084]

This is gold

[@ideegeniali]

Very well put. Nice plane metaphor and understandable and memorable graph.

[@James_Lim]

Glad you liked it! and thank you for letting me know what you liked, it's really helpful so I know what works. I really do appreciate your support.

[@blueskyloo]

this was good.

[@servantofthelord8147]

This is awesome. What software do you use to make these? (I notice you’re able to drag the video of you around)

[@James_Lim]

Ah yes, it's loom for the video and google slides for the presentation!

[@user-io8yb6xi5q]

very clever way to break it down - nice

[@James_Lim]

Thank you I appreciate your kind words!

[@elabaglama]

Great video!

[@Omnicronnn]

This is nice work; well done!

[@James_Lim]

Thanks a lot! really appreciate your support, it's very motivating!

[@kourin2499]

First, thank you. Secondly, i do believe there are some projects where the initial period lasts longer and other projects where is shorter. That needs to be held in mind. Because if your goal is to 4 projects, not all will have the same initial periods.

[@duartelucas5746]

“This * 1000”, the picture on the left. If you are talking about a full stadium time 1000 you’ll get more like 50 million people. But the video is amazing, thanks!

[@James_Lim]

You are totally right. How embarrassing! I could've sworn I calculated at the time, I must've got so excited at the idea I slipped. Thanks for the correction. Let's just imagine we are talking a little stadium! 🙃 Thank you for your support, and really glad you enjoyed the video!

[@9785633425657]

Great video, thanks!

[@becstar6138]

Hi James! Loved the content. Am a writer and the analogy is true. I would like to see content on protecting IP… find it to be my biggest challenge.

[@James_Lim]

Hi! Thank you, that means a lot😊Oo interesting, what specific problems have you been navigating with it?

[@husseinnaji2827]

absoltuely, when i coach people to start going to the gym. i recommend them having time off work/starting gym during slow times, for 2/3 weeks. it runs contrary to what alot of online hustle gurus say about working hard with all pistons running hot.

[@James_Lim]

That's a great approach, I see a lot of people burn themselves out when trying to stack everything at the same time. I appreciate you sharing this!

[@husseinnaji2827]

@@James_Lim i appreciate you sharing this gold, keep preaching

[@thebadguy8997]

As a person who’s not in any specific career, What I been doing for last couple of years is to change a job whenever I master it skill, I know that I could learn this skill outside the job environment, but the job environment offer my the discipline to pass the curve. The downside of it is I still don’t what I want to pursue as a career lol.

[@loonadeux]

yes, ive heard this described as “escape velocity,” too, and it feels wrong becsuse “balance” is supposedly the ideal. bur if you want to make progress, life will alternate between periods of extreme effort (imbalance) followed by balance. such a great viseo

[@anaszwawi17]

I really enjoyed this video 😊

[@James_Lim]

I'm so glad! I hope it's helpful. Did you have a favourite bit? and I appreciate your support, seeing a comment like yours means a lot!

[@UltimateHotdog]

Hey James very helpful vid, Is this a shorter version of the original?

[@James_Lim]

Correct, have you seen the original? If so, this will be a reminder of the key principles

[@deeksha_learner]

Amazing 😍

[@James_Lim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lessonsthehardway]

Hey James I love your videos, can you please tell me where you found this graph, or did you make it yourself? If so what did you make it on? Looks so clean and easy to interpret the meaning

[@James_Lim]

I made this graph myself! I use Google Slides to make all of my presentations. Keep it simple!

[@justvibing2497]

Great video. On the money

[@James_Lim]

I appreciate your support!

[@GusDev-ck2zg]

hey! incredible video... I like your style. What programs do you use for those graphics and elements in the videos?

[@James_Lim]

I appreciate your words. I know my style is quite different. I wasn't sure if it would work! I keep things as simple as I can, I use google slides and create the graphics myself within the app.

[@obalobal3406]

Thank you

[@James_Lim]

Thank you for your support!

[@aimanharith1248]

New subscriber 👍

[@realkanavdhawan]

Basically our Energy Curve is like Charging an Inductor At start very resistant to change but after peak very easy to work with

[@timog7358]

great video

[@James_Lim]

Really appreciate your words! 🙏

[@EcomCarl]

Managing multiple projects while maintaining good health and fitness is indeed a challenging balancing act. Front-loaded energy curves offer a smart strategy to focus our efforts effectively and achieve our goals without burning out. Remember, quality over quantity is key when it comes to productivity and well-being! 💪

[@sirvladislav]

Worth to mention, that the energy graph goes down only if you delegate, automate and prioritise. If not, you will be burnt out 100%.

[@UltimateArts13]

Very interesting video

[@James_Lim]

Glad you think so! Thank you for your support too🙏😊

[@pernillasimonssonkhammar]

Cognito load. I failed because I was overloaded. I tried to manage a business, go to school and learn a new job and have a family, all at the same time. It was so difficult. And being a therapeut for my suicidal friend/business partner 24/7, with no sleep, and no money to eat well. I managed 8 months. Now I got rid of all of them. And restart. With new. I guess all of that was my upper limit. Five things at the same time. 😂

[@delaslight]

I think your channel was built for me! 😅🙏

[@James_Lim]

I'm glad you're here. 😊

[@wMwPlay]

bicycle is hard to get going from the start, but once you gain momentum pedaling a lil bit is enough to keep the pace

[@nguyenconghuy3847]

You deserve a sub

[@James_Lim]

Thank you! I appreciate your support!🙏

[@DrkstrX]

It's more than just habits. People take SSRIs and nootropics to be able to perform at that level. It's pretty common

[@sp123]

Yeah a lot of high performers are on drugs

[@richardmcgrath9118]

I feel like there are more peaks and troughs in most typical projects. Yes, the beginning of the project will typically be a peak that requires more effort and then it will get easier. But don't most larger scale projects usually present challenges later on in the project that require a lot more effort and energy?

[@James_Lim]

Hi Richard, thank you for raising this; it's a great point. You're totally right. Big (and even medium) projects require fluctuations in effort and call for our attention. This video is mainly about that initial stage, where friction is high because it is new. There are many ways to manage longer-term projects, and I'm sure your systems work well! For me, I break these down into different planes if the call for effort is significant. If they are natural fluctuations, I often think of these as the plane entering a weather system (sometimes expected, many times not!) with pilots having to re-engage, coming out of autopilot, navigate through it and deal with the turbulence appropriately. In fact, working with clients long term who have major life-change projects, we spend most of our time dealing with these; I consider this the more advanced version. I appreciate you stopping by, and leaving such a thoughtful comment!

[@fluxpistol3608]

Isn't this just critical chain theory combined with learning curve theory? It's clever though. However, how'd you reach this conclusion?

[@James_Lim]

Thank you! I've always found things hard at the beginning and I like to map things out as I experience them to look for my own patterns. The idea of energy was explained to me by someone who ran multiple businesses, and experienced the problems of not following this. I then tested it out myself, and realised how it affected my emotional energy, made mistakes, and fine-tuned it over the years. I like to describe concepts in relatable ways so it's easy to understand and practical too

[@danilo-d83]

1.5 million 😮

[@NadellaYT]

W video

[@James_Lim]

Thank you!

[@yuvraj3047]

how can someone who has personal goals but are in college/University do this? meaning in this case they are bound by external forces: they have to read those books, they have to complete those assignments that take time, they have to prepare for the tests, etc.

[@Choco794]

Then you have to first either build a system around your university and studying then once it becomes a habit you can start personal goals and since you have the system for school it is manageable and you can focus your energy and time on establishing a habit for your personal goal or you can do the inverse if you are starting college soon then you can first build the personal habit for your goal and then once it becomes a habit build the same for college and then you can remove your personal goal over time and transition into something else and keep doing that either way work but it depends on whether you are currently in university or not or not. I used the words college, university and school interchangeably.

[@James_Lim]

Well said!

[@lepidoptera9337]

They simply don't take on hard projects. They leave those to you. ;-)

[@Radik-lf6hq]

❤

[@pernillasimonssonkhammar]

I launched projects that kept going, but I want to be more resultfocused and I seem to not achieve the results I want. I feel stuck. I have tried to get money and likes for so long, and it was impossible. Still seem to be impossible. I need to change my strategy, for sure.

[@sp123]

It's easier to do the things that get you attention than do the things that make money

[@robertwallace5498]

this is only if you are never improving right?

[@James_Lim]

It is just one way of looking at it. If you're not improving, this can definitely help!

[@ramanansrirajan5866]

Video came at a great time im insanaely overwhelmed with shit rn haha

[@James_Lim]

haha, I'm glad it found you too! I hope it helps you reduce thats overwhelm. Good luck!

[@kgireeshreddy6171]

The hump is temporary, but I mostly drop of before it becomes a habit

[@jerrinmathewgeorgeieee7866]

volume is low !