A Different Way To Getting Things Done
What gets in the way of you getting things done? Procrastination is typically the culprit. Well, a way to combat this is being conscious. Conscious, meaning being aware.
We are beings of habit, of unconscious action. Being natural really. Whenever you do something that seems natural, it is because you are doing it unconsciously. Driving, walking, your mannerisms, body language, and worst of all your distractive habits.
Going to the bathroom, having a cigarette break, going to the water cooler, and even eating. We tend to do these things whenever we’ve got something else to get done. We don’t mean to, it’s just something that happens instinctively. Don’t beat yourself about it. In fact, you can enjoy it. Understand that you do need a break. Yet, don’t let your break last for longer than you really need.
Writing things down can be good. They say the shorter the pencil the longer your understanding of a subject. It’s good, yet it can be better.
You may not have the same lifestyle as the lenses this articles is being written in. Yet, I’m sure you can make a proper correlation. Understand that I’m writing from my point of view. With my lenses on. So, it does change the way I see thinga compared to people with different lifestyles. Though I am super sure that this will benefit anyone having a problem with getting things done or just have an affinity for being efficient.
People don’t get motivated to go to the gym. They go to the gym to get motivated.
Start working. When you feel yourself stopping, get up walk around. Make sure that while you are walking. You are ‘thinking on your feet’. Don’t let your thoughts veer off into la-la land. People who can’t stay put are typically labeled ADD. When really, this isn’t anything to be ashamed of. It just means you think on your feet. You are constantly bombarded with so much creativity that you feel if you keep it to yourself you are doing the world a disservice. Well, remember that you can’t get your thoughts out to the world unless you learn to be conscious and get things done. While you are walking around a bit, still thinking about the task at hand, gather your thoughts, then walk back to your work station and continue.
Quitting. It’s why we say we are our own worst enemies. Because you are the only one that can quit, no one else can do it for you. Anyone that has gotten into creative work has gotten into it because they have good taste. They appreciate good music, art, language, and so much more yet I haven’t the space to put it here. Understand that you are your worst critic. Just keep creating. Because after time (maybe a real long time) your work will resemble exactly what your taste has craved all this time.
Create Deadlines. Not to-do lists. Every week, having something that needs to get done. Just one thing. Because on a to-do list you will write down something that usually takes about 4 times as much time as you actually think it will take. Factor in, mistakes, errors, problems with your computer or whatever else is man-made and inevitably fails on you on the most critical of moments.
If you get done what you have wanted to get done in a timely manner, then you can look forward to the next thing. Realize that, the end isn’t really the end. Once you’ve got something done typically there is something else to do. But, that’s what you have to realize. It’s not the completion of a task or project that should bring you validation (even if it’s what normally happens). Understand that if you have a to-do item on your list only 25% completed, that it should feel as good as completing the task 100%. Celebrate the small victories.
I had a fortune cookie not long ago. It read something like this – yet I am totally missing the preceding lines, though I remember that last line – Don’t let friends impose on you.
Stay away from discouragement. You are around negative people because you are good person. It’s not bad that you are around people that are putting you down. It’s admirable. You see the good in everyone, and give people the benefit of a doubt. Good on ‘ya mate. But, you have to realize that only when you have a great support system that things you really want will tend to manifest themselves a lot sooner.
You may love these people. They may even be family members. Don’t reward bad behavior. Don’t be afraid to excuse yourself from conversation. Whenever someone is projecting limiting beliefs on you (especially if they are someone of authority) just excuse yourself from conversation. Subconsciously they will realize that negative opinions aren’t tolerated by you. Overtime they will be conditioned to not be negative while in your presence. If not, you may have to consider cutting them off completely.
It’s hard to not listen to authority. Especially if you are someone who seeks guidance. Remember, it’s the rebels, the one’s who kept their frame, the ones that told career advisors their dreams, and even when faced with adversity, still shook it off and kept pursuing their goals – those are the ones that you see in movies, TV and radio (well, you listen to people on radio rather than see them). I know I am not including some more respectable occupations. So I’ll let you fill in anything that you are seeking to accomplish. Yet, my point is to distinguish talent from pure determinism. Being committed comes with the ability to completely separate yourself from the opinion of others. Don’t worry, I’ll always be here to tell you how awesome you are. Just realize that no matter how talented you are. You, your friends and your unconscious habits can be what’s really holding back. Keep it going my friend.
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