Speaking of how it’s okay to make a decision without knowing every last detail… Consider this: one drop of clarity plus 5 minutes of action. I have found that action brings clarity, and then, in turn, more clarity fuels more action. It’s a fantastic cycle. And so, when you’re stuck on something, you’d be surprised how much progress you can make (and how much clarity you can get) in a short amount of time.
Month: August 2022
Do Less
You don’t have to take action on every idea. You can make a decision without knowing every last detail and option. It’s okay if you don’t finish every book you start. You don’t have to respond to every email you receive. There’s no need to push every project to the max. Having breathing room — a little bit left over — is perfectly acceptable. In fact… I would argue that it’s preferred.
A Beginner’s Guide to Notion →
As a team, we’ve been using Notion for nearly 2 years, and it has made a significant impact in how we manage and run our editorial calendars. And, over on The Sweet Setup, we just recently update our beginner’s Notion guide.
Feel free to say no to your own ideas
It’s a challenge to have more ideas than time. But you don’t have to be a slave to all your ideas. You probably have lots of ideas that you want to do. But the existence of a good idea doesn’t mean you are obligated to spend time on it. Feel free to say no to your own ideas. Focus requires tradeoffs.
Loom vs CleanShot X (Screen Recording and Delegating) →
So…. a few years ago I read Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz. Clockwork is a book about how to turn your business into an organization that can run without any one person having to exist in the center of it.
One of the most important elements of building your business systems is the ability to delegate your tasks and document how things are done.
And so, if you work with a computer, one of the best ways to delegate is to simply record your screen as you do the task — explaining what and why you are doing — and then passing off that process to someone else.
All this to say, I use Loom a lot. I use Loom to record and capture tasks and projects that I want other people to be able to do in the future. For example: Just last week I used Loom to document how I edit our client proposals for corporate trainings.
How goal setting and time management fit together
To accomplish your goals and live a focused life, you need three skills:
- Clarity: What to do.
- Time Management: When to do it.
- Integrity: Doing that which you’ve said you’ll do.
How to align your tasks with your goals (or: How to create an action plan)
Many people struggle to make regular progress toward their goals. This is often because the things they are doing are not actually related to accomplishing their goals.
To create an action plan, I like to start with the end in mind, and then work backward.
Once you have a desired outcome, all you need to do is list the steps necessary to accomplish it.
Break things down into small action items. Schedule time for yourself for when you’ll do the next action item for that goal. As you begin to move forward, you’ll discover that Action Brings Clarity.
PS – What is a goal you have in mind right now that you’re struggling to make progress toward? Hit reply and let me know, or send me a DM on Instagram.
Time Management Myth: “If I manage my time, I won’t get to do fun stuff.”
Fact: By managing your time you can protect the fun stuff and ensure the other ares of your life don’t encroach on it. Take control of your time and do MORE fun stuff.
You do this by (a) scheduling it so you have a better chance at getting to that activity; and (b) keeping the less-fun-stuff contained. A healthy schedule includes margin and breathing room, as well as time for you to relax, goof off, have fun, and go on adventures!
Visual Quote of the Week →
“When things don’t work, double down on iteration. When things do work, double down on consistency.” — Janis Ozolins
Upgrade (new book from Blake Crouch) →
Blake Crouch is one of my favorite authors. Dark Matter is one of my all time favorite novels. I loved the Wayward Pines Trilogy. Ditto with Recursion. So yeah… when his new book, Upgrade, came out and I dove in and read it in 3 days. It was fantastic!
If you like Blake Crouch and/or if you enjoy low-key semi-sci-fi novels, then this is right up your alley.
Not all habits are created equal
Some habits will have a disproportionately positive (or negative) impact than others.
If you do a high-impact habit consistently for years then it will bring about a massive change in your life.
Here are 4 high-impact routines that have created a disproportionately positive impact on my life over the years:
- I have automated my savings, giving, and investing so that I never have to think about when or how much I should be putting into those accounts. It happens on autopilot and I reap the benefits.
- My wife and I have a date night every week (even if it is merely at home on the back porch).
- I set aside at least one hour every work day for undistracted time to do focused, deep work.
- Every day I do at least a 15-minute workout.
Put another way, the whole ****point in having a routine is to make your life better. And, if you’re going to have a routine, you might as well have one that is high-impact.
Vision and Mission
Without a clear idea of your own core values and the things that drive your decisions and motivation, then your schedule will reflect what someone else wants from you, rather than what you want for yourself. The three primary areas of your life that all need a clear direction: Your business, your family, and your self.
Building a Second Brain →
This is Tiago Forte’s brand-new book all about idea management. For creators and knowledge workers, your ability to manage your ideas is perhaps one of the most valuable career skills there is. My copy of BASB arrived a few days ago and I am eager to dive in to it.
Words you can say to help you focus
No. Nope. No thanks. Not at this time. Nuh-uh. Nah. Sorry, but no.