There are a million ways to improve our businesses and our lives.

The ideas float in the window, arrive via email, pop into conversation, pile up in droves when we read, appear as “suggestions” from the boss, and are promoted by colleagues, friends, customers, suppliers, and more.

But we can’t do them all!

If you run with every exciting new idea, you will drive yourself crazy and get nowhere of significance. The answer is not to block out new ideas and information. Listening, learning, imagining, evolving, and, occasionally leaping, are important. The trick is to filter these inputs quickly so you can:

• Retain the focus that is critical to progress
• Take advantage of the right opportunities – the ideas that will speed your progress
• Know when to change your plans entirely
• Feel excited about the possibilities

To protect yourself from too many ideas, ask these critical questions:

1. Does this new idea, approach or knowledge invalidate my assumptions or fundamentally change my current direction?

Your current focus may be obsolete or inappropriate. If so, don’t just barrel onward wishing for a different reality. Handle short-term commitments while sorting out your future direction promptly.

This should not be a common scenario. If you find yourself questioning your fundamental strategy frequently, it can’t be very strong. Fix it!

If your current direction and objectives are still smart, don’t let an exciting idea derail your priorities.

2. Does this new idea, approach or knowledge provide an alternative method for achieving my existing goals?

If so, why not take the easier path? Just be sure it will actually get you there faster, dramatically reduce your costs, and/or improve results in a meaningful way. Technology, in particular, is notorious for tempting people onto new paths that add tremendous time and cost with no discernible improvement.

If not, stay the course. Once you’ve achieved your current objectives it will be time to chart a new course and consider new methods.

3. Is this idea just the greatest thing since sliced bread even though I can’t make use of it right now?

Most good ideas will come around again, especially the best ones, so don’t create extensive files, lists, or plans for later.

For the absolute best ideas, you may want to keep a special notebook, file or list. Reserve this space only for the ideas that would make a substantial difference to your business or your life. Don’t confuse your great ideas list with a To Do list for the future. This list captures great ideas but in no way puts you under any obligation to implement! Were you to add each great idea to your To Do List, you would feel overwhelmed in no time and would soon be running in too many directions.

Focus and finish is the road to success. Be alert to new ideas, but use them wisely!