On integrity, big plans, and reluctance
Hi,
Thoughts on three topics for you today:
Take a fresh look at integrity
It’s easy to call into question the integrity of others; it’s harder and sometimes painful to examine your own. Do you do what you say you’ll do? Even when nobody’s watching? Do you give an honest account? What’s really on your moral compass?
The good news is you can start fresh today: Take a look at yourself and decide to live by your principles—whatever they may be.
Jump-starting your big plans
We all have at least one exciting step we’d like to take someday—that career move, that big trip, that great idea.
Step 1: Get a clearer sense of these things. Write them down. That’s the first step in transforming a fuzzy desire into an idea that’s tangible and shareable.
Step 2: Let your friends or family in on it. That always helps get the ideas flowing and pushes you to actually get started.
Step 3: Get going by turning your ideas into little concrete actions you can carry out right away. The time is now. After all: if you don’t give it a try, you can be sure your ideas will stay just that—ideas.
Moving past any reluctance
If I have to get something done but don’t feel like it, this is what I do:
Break it down, break it down, break it down. Break the task into mini-tasks, until you can do each in 30 seconds.
Set your timer. Decide to spend at least 5 minutes on focused work on the task. That’s almost always enough to get into it.
Come up with a little reward. Visualize what you’ll do when the job is done: Maybe you’ll do some work on a fun project you’re looking forward to. Or enjoy a fine cup of coffee. Or you could always take a short break to make the rounds on social media.
Start with what you know. If you’re having trouble getting started because the work seems complex, start with the simplest, most familiar parts. It’s a little like playing pick-up sticks. You go for the easy ones first. Got a complex report coming up? Start by setting up a simple structure. A creative design? Sketch the elements you have clear in your mind. Your weekly review? Start with the parts you can practically do blindfolded.
Have a good week,
Rick
produced by the language girl