“Foundation first” isn’t a one time, never think about it again kind of thing. Us silly humans like to forget some of the brilliant systems we’ve set up to help us stay sane, productive, and (gasp!) make dreams happen.

For example, my systems were supporting a certain level of activity just fine, (served well in the past).

Until, (pivot point!)

A series of events have occurred that indicate it’s time for some serious ramping up of the business. (systems no longer adequate).

Using systems that wouldn’t accommodate a significant ramp-up thoroughly violates simplification rule #12, The 10x Rule.

Clarification and minor detour of this post’s subject: actually, it’s not so much that the systems aren’t expandable, it’s that I haven’t been using them in such a way that considerably more volume will be tolerated.

Result: I feel confused about priorities, am not making satisfying progress on more than 1 or 2 or the goals (the ones with externally set deadlines), and I feel that icky ineffectual feeling that can quickly spiral in to the Dumps.

Besides starting to feel crappy, there are other signs to indicate “seriously off track”: I have a tendency to handwrite and rewrite lists of projects and things to do, clean the kitchen, question adequacy of task mgmt system, clean the bathroom, etc. you get the idea.

The equivalent of paper pushing. Lots of busy work, very little significant work.

The truth is, the systems are there that can support the increase of projects and goals:
I have a system for tracking projects and ToDos: Things. (I’m just not using it consistently, therefore my head doesn’t trust it.)

I have a system for review projects and priorities: Daily Review. (I slip away from doing it daily, therefore priorities get confused.)

Even have a practice for staying in touch with my Purpose: morning yoga and meditation (Which, illogically, I tend to stop doing when my head starts freaking out.)

So how to get back on track? Use the systems.
1. Download Projects and ToDos from head into Things.
2. Set appointment for this evening (with alarm) for Daily Review and prep for tomorrow.
3. Set morning alarm to allow time for yoga and meditation.
4. Repeat tomorrow (though downloading will then happen in daily review)

Summing up:
Know what your “off-track” signs are. With this awareness, exert whatever energy needed to get back on track, Now. Your life is too valuable to squander away cleaning the kitchen. (Not that I’m saying don’t clean your kitchen, really now, that could get gross. I’m just saying, don’t let it be a substitution for work toward your goals.) If you don’t have a good system for tracking projects and ToDo’s, get one going. Digital versions that work well with GTD methodology: Things or OmniFocus.