330/365 A few big generic decisions (MarkG.photo, #33)

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330/365 A few big generic decisions

There is an overhead cost to any good decision: It requires argument and debate, time for reflection and concentration, and energy expended to ensure superb execution. So, given this overhead cost, it’s far better to zoom out and make a few big generic decisions that can apply to a large number of specific situations, to find a pattern within—in short, …

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329/365 Pockets of quietude

This requires the discipline to consolidate time into blocks, of three primary types. First, create unbroken blocks for individual think time, preferably during the most lucid time of day; these pockets of quietude might be only ninety minutes, but even the busiest executive must do them with regularity. Second, create chunks of deliberately unstructured time for people and the inevitable …

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328/365 Away from negative ideas

Strengthening your ability to direct your focus away from negative ideas and events when such cogitation serves no purpose and to reframe setbacks as challenges or even opportunities helps you handle stress and approach life as a creation rather than a reaction. From "Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life" Winifred Gallagher

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327/365 Start and restart

On our self-change journey, we have to be prepared to forgive ourselves for our transgressions so that we are willing to try again. We will certainly have to try again many times. As I said before, even my simple strategy of just get started may have to be invoked many times throughout the day. Start and restart. From "Solving the …

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326/365 The power of forgiveness

This finding reflects the power of forgiveness to move us from an avoidance motivation to an approach motivation. If, for example, you had a transgression (e.g., fight or broken promise) with a friend, and you or your friend had not offered forgiveness, you would likely avoid that friend. In the case of procrastination, the transgression is against the self, and …

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325/365 Immediate mood repair

Giving in to feel good is a big piece of the procrastination puzzle, and the Internet provides lots and lots of short-term, but specious, rewards to which we can give in to feel good. With a click or two we can leave the task that we feel bad about and seek immediate mood repair. If you understand that this is …

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324/365 Not an excuse

Personality should not be an excuse. In fact, acknowledging and addressing our limitations can develop some of our greatest strengths. From "Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change" Timothy A. Pychyl

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