Implementation Block—Why?
The way we have writer’s block, I’m experiencing some form of block. Whether to call it an implementers block, a founders block or am I just overwhelmed?
Having attended the EAG London, I was so excited to continue conversations and move on with implementing many of my outlined activities. However, I haven’t been able to get anything done. I haven’t followed up on conversations, finished my updated work plan or reached out for potential support.
Has anyone else experienced this? If yes, how did you deal with it?
Thanks for posting this—I certainly relate to something similar. But, it seems like you’ve taken a step in asking for support, so that’s a great start :))
Do you have a sense at all of what might be blocking you, or if/why you’ve felt blocked on similar things before?
I’ll share a few thoughts that might help based on my experience—they’re not groundbreaking, but maybe just reading them might help name what’s going on.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed…
Does it feel like ‘EAG followups’ is a big amorphous task?
Try breaking things down into smaller, manageable chunks. I sometimes make two lists:
“Musts” (things I actually committed to do—like following up on specific promises)
“Nice to haves” (everything else that would be good but isn’t urgent)
Then stop there. Making the list is one task. Starting on items is tomorrow’s task. Sometimes just knowing what to do next helps me get over the hump.
You could just go through each 1-1 or session you went to and think about what followups might be good there and then prioritise them. If the tasks themselves seem big, like ‘finish updated work plan’ can you make them smaller? like fill in x section, send imperfect draft to a friend, look at comments from reviewer etc.
If something else is blocking you, maybe sit with the feeling for a bit and see what comes up? Common culprits for me after conferences in the past:
Imposter syndrome
Uncertainty about priorities
Social anxiety about following up
Perfectionism
Maybe you’ve just been tired from a busy weekend and travelling to the conference. Seems ok to prioritise rest for a bit afterwards if you can.
Practical things that might help?
Focusmate or similar body-doubling tools
Setting a timer for 15 minutes to do just ONE follow-up email to get a bit of momentum
Messaging the easiest/friendliest person first to build momentum
Remember: people expect post-conference follow-ups to be delayed. You’re not too late!
Some followup is better than no follow up. It’s impossible to follow up on alllllll the potential EAG opportunities, just focus on making some steps.
Good luck with your next steps, Onyekachi!
Hi Charlotte,
This was so warm to read. I’d try some of the practical things and hope they work for me too. Oh and Yes, the Imposter syndrome and the worry that I possibly didn’t do as much as I needed really bothered me. So, thank you again for the insight.