Learn something you didn’t know or that you thought was the opposite. Improve your understanding of money, relationships, friends, fitness, health or philosophy.
Have a deep think about something. Reflect on things you’ve said or done. Note what you believe went well and those things that didn’t. Prepare how you might improve on both the next time.
Oftentimes we are so focused on our own view, and holding on to it, and defending it so we can be “right”, that we miss the opportunity to improve the situation.
While we stick to our perspective and search only for data to support our bias, we don’t listen to evidence being presented that may have some merit. Defending our position and being right becomes the overriding objective, not solving the problem.
Imagine the improvement in our world if we focused on really understanding the different perspectives presented, clarifying what the actual issue is and using all the data to find a better way ahead.
Try focusing on a better outcome rather than defending your position. It’ll be a game changer.
Our goal as we grow older is to organise and order things from chaos. And to keep the chaos orderly.
Chaos is natural and easy. Order takes effort and discipline. The more skilled you become at making order from chaos, the more valuable you will become.
Being consistent on a daily basis can help or hinder your progress in life. On a daily basis, it helps if you eat well, drink water, sleep 7-8 hours, exercise for 20 minutes and go to the loo (1 & 2).
Missing any of these for a day would have an impact and you’d notice. Missing any of these for a week will start a decline.
Get consistent with the basics. Then you can go next level more sustainably.
You will not know the answer unless you ask. Ask the questions that come up in your mind. Also ask for what you want. Be clear. Be decisive. Focus on what you really do want and ask people how you could get it. Ask.
Ask and you shall receive. Sometimes it’s that easy.
Do you have any structure to your day? If you work from home, are retired, are between jobs or are a primary carer, your day may not have much structure. For people with a structured day this may seem like a dream.
However, it could become a disaster. Without structure, or order, life can get pretty freeflowing, or chaotic. That may seem odd but it depends on how you look at things.
If you don’t have a set plan for each day, you just fall into whatever you stumble upon or are asked to do. This freeflowing nature can be liberating for awhile but is not a great way to live life if you have some specific goals to achieve before you’re not capable or before you die.
Structure in your day, whether imposed (by say a job) or self imposed, is very good to achieve more and reduce anxiety. So decide on your hourly activities, write them down and follow the structure.
Often times things start out well. Maybe it’s a gentle joke, a little teasing, spending on a few little things or picking at a dish of food. However, these things can go too far.
You know what you’re doing too much of, whether it’s binge watching tv, spending, eating, drinking, teasing, complaining, harassing or staying up too late.
A little bit and occasionally is fine. Moderation in everything as they say. But with that, you need to learn when to stop. And then stop.
Allocate a set time to achieve your goals and tasks throughout the day. Whether it is for a phone call, or to write a letter or even just to eat lunch, decide how long you have to get it done and then do it in that time frame.
Make it snappy and pacey though. If you can get up from working, have lunch, and be back at your desk in 15 minutes, great! Then don’t drag it out for 35 minutes because you think you have a spare 20 minutes: you probably don’t.
Use every minute like you mean it and it’s precious. Jam as much life in as you can in every 24 hour period – whether working or playing.
Make great plans and stick to them. They may be delayed by events or go a little sideways at times. Allow for that but stay the course and carry on.
Prepare in writing what your following day will be. Plan the hours, and allow the correct amount of time. Don’t allow too much but allow sufficient time to actually complete the tasks.
When you try to fool others, it might work. Just don’t fool yourself in the process.
