Should You Focus on One Thing or Manage Multiple Projects?

There’s an ongoing debate in productivity and self-development circles: Should you focus on just one thing—or risk juggle multiple ideas?

Conventional wisdom says mastery comes from singular focus—and for most people, that’s probably true. But what if your ideas are too good to ignore? What if you genuinely want to build multiple things—and believe you can?

-Ali Abdaal was a full-time doctor when he started his YouTube channel, which later transformed him into a productivity expert and entrepreneur.
-Tim Ferriss built multiple businesses, wrote bestsellers, and became a leading voice in self-improvement.
-Steven Bartlett runs multiple ventures while growing Diary of a CEO into one of the world’s biggest business podcasts.

Of course, these figures are now established and have teams—but they weren’t always in that position.

From my own journey—building The Good Companion, writing A Time to Live, and launching Artful Narratives—I’ve learned that managing multiple projects is possible, but only if done strategically.

Here are the three essential ingredients you need:

1. Clear Vision: Know Your "Why"

If you don’t know why you’re doing something, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Ask yourself these three key questions:
- How does this project align with my long-term goals?
- Does it fit within my personal brand or aspirations?
- Can I realistically commit to it alongside my other work responsibilities?

The more clarity you have, the easier it is to decide whether an idea deserves your energy.

2. Strategy & Systems: Work Smarter

Ideas are great—but execution is what matters. The best way to manage multiple projects is to build systems that prevent chaos:
- Use a diary or task list to map out what needs to be done.
- Apply the 80/20 principle—prioritise high-impact tasks first.
- Time-block your schedule to ensure focused, deep work on each project.
Without a structured approach, you’ll spread yourself too thin.

3. Regular Check-ins: Track & Adjust

Progress isn’t always linear. Regular check-ins help you stay on track, adapt, and prevent burnout:
- Ticking off tasks releases dopamine—boosting motivation.
- Reviewing your progress weekly keeps you accountable.
- If something isn’t working, pivot early instead of waiting too long.

Managing multiple projects isn’t for everyone, but if done right, it can be both rewarding and fulfilling.