Stop following routines
Routines don’t work for most people. People with young kids, pets, people who travel a lot or work remotely, find it extremely difficult to follow the same routine every day. If you keep trying, you will only end up frustrated.
Instead of focusing on setting goals, create better systems that allow you to make a little progress every day, regardless of your schedule.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
It is better to focus on the process rather than the outcome. When you focus on the outcome, you slow your growth.
Commit to consistent practice. Focus on the process of getting better every single day.
Most people lack success because they cannot follow a routine to achieve an important goal.
Instead of fighting a losing battle, learn to move around these tasks to start making progress when you can.
RELATED IDEAS
- Set goals at regular intervals and give yourself enough time.
- When you think you might not meet a goal, take a step back to asses the situation.
- Be transparent: let your manager and team know as soon as you've slid off-track. They're there to help.
- Be kind to yourself. If you fail, give yourself some grace.
- Uncertain goals should be set in the middle. This will enable you to set the correct challenge level to maximize effort.
- Some research shows that for very complex tasks, goal-setting can hinder effectiveness. This is because complex tasks are cognitively demanding in the beginning and can be frustrating because you can't perform adequately. To add on more tasks can impair your performance.
It gives you a clear plan for overcoming unexpected events. You plan for unexpected situations by using the phrase, “If ____, then ____.”
For example: If my meeting runs over and I don't have time to exercise this afternoon, then I'll wake up early tomorrow and run.