Priscilla's Blog

Getting things done.

Whenever I get a new book, it’s exciting for me because I’m about to dig into people’s experiences regardless of how novel or not it seems.

This makes me so excited and I constantly desire to read the book even when I’m busy working or doing something else.

Fast forward to reading the book; no matter how interesting the story is, I get tired and honestly want to move on to the next book (gather here for a selfie if this thought has ever crossed your mind).

This isn’t about the book, but about utility. The satisfaction I anticipated has been fulfilled from the first few chapters I’ve gone through. This however, doesn’t mean that there isn’t more useful information in the other chapters.

Do I actually move on to the next book?
No, I don’t (unless it’s inescapable). I try to finish a book before picking up another.

This is just a part, this happens in every other aspect of life. You start a course, and stop halfway. You dropout of school among other things.

You don’t feel that excitement about what you are involved in anymore. In other cases, you just do them out of obligation and half-heartedly.

Here are some things that have helped me in recent times and I think would be helpful to you as well.

– Have and Know your Why
Almost everything in life has a why. Do you know yours?

It’s important to understand why you are embarking on an action.

This helps your resolve even at times when you wouldn’t want to keep going on.

Action
I’m reading a book

Why?
To gain new knowledge
To complete my reading list
I want to become a thought leader in this field

You can take this action now, by writing out the task you are on and the why of it.

– Create Cues
Have hints that would help you remember you have to get something finished.

Set alarms, drop hints in different places, do you but make sure they all drop a signal in your mind of the task you have to get working on.

– Make your environment help you
Your environment is a quiet influencer of your habits.
If you hang around with people that are complacent, chances are that you would get complacent in the long run.
If your physical environment doesn’t enhance your work rate or the action you need to take, fix it to help you.

– Be Specific about the task in hand.
Know exactly what you want to do. Clarity happens when you are focused on a thing per time. This helps you put in 100% and get amazing results quicker than in a confused state.

– Be Factual
You know yourself and you know what you have to finish. What would it actually take you to do that which you want to do?
Would you need a coach? A mentor? An instructor?
Come to terms with who and what you need to avoid beating around the bush.

– Be Accountable
Have someone you can be accountable to. Have a community you trust that would hold you at your word and help in places you are stuck.

– Try Discipline
Without Discipline, commitment is inchoate. Owe it to yourself to tick off your finished boxes.

– Take breaks
It’s important to take needed breaks when actualising a task. This helps the mind to better process information garnered for practical application.

– Set a Reward
Having something to look forward to will give you the needed ‘ginger’ you need to see the finish line.

Which of these tips stood out for you and which would you be trying out?

Thank you for reading.