How to get yourself to work with 4 simple questions

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

In order not to postpone important matters, it is enough to soberly assess the situation and ask yourself the right questions.

Procrastination is like a voice in your head whispering about seemingly reasonable reasons not to work. Arguing with him is not easy. Maybe it's better to ask him a few questions?

Sometimes a correct dialogue with oneself best of all sets one up for work, helps to find the right solution and get out of the impasse, makes one realize the importance of affairs and begin to act.

When the voice in your head calls for idleness again, ask yourself these four questions.

What is the best place to start?

Sometimes we are faced with really huge tasks and we do not know from which side to approach them. The complexity drives you into a stupor. But, as research by Timothy Pychyl says. …, the hardest thing is to start.

Once you get past the first steps, the job stops feeling as nasty and confusing as it used to be. Moreover, if you do not complete it in one go, the completed part gives the necessary feeling of control. And it helps to bring what has been started to a victorious end.

To decide which part of the work is best for you to start, mentally break down complex tasks into smaller sub-tasks. Then choose the simplest one. As soon as you focus on it, you will surely feel a surge of motivation to take further action.

What are the three most important things to do today?

We postpone work if it seems unpleasant to us, but it also contributes to the workload of a lot of other things. Small assignments and other distractions make it difficult to focus on the things that really matter. This is especially true for significant, but not urgent matters.

Prioritize clearly each morning. Ask yourself what three tasks you need to complete before the end of the day.

These should be specific goals, not vague intentions like "to make progress in something." Dedicate the first hours of your day to them. Only after finishing with the main thing, move on to the rest.

How can you simplify your workflow?

Many of us believe that success can only be achieved through hard work. This is often the case. But sometimes this belief gets in the way of finding simple solutions to complex problems. There is nothing wrong with making the hard work easier if it helps get the job done.

For example, you can't set aside an hour a day for training. Instead of giving up completely, exercise for at least 10 minutes daily. Of course, this approach may seem like a waste of time or just an excuse. But sometimes less is better than nothing. Don't forget about the net effect as well.

If you can't go for a run, just run in place or do push-ups at home. The point is to find a simplified alternative.

As Steve Scott says. … Habit expert Steve Scott, to get yourself used to something, you have to start small. Actions should be so easy that you can not interrupt their execution for a single day. Over time, it will be easier for you to increase the load.

What happens if I don't do it now?

Leadership author Jim Collins on "productive paranoia." He talks about the constant worries of Bill Gates, Andrew Grove and other successful people that things can go wrong. This fear made them hyper-vigilant, always ready for unexpected circumstances and actions.

Fear is an incredibly powerful motivator. If you provoke him gently, he won't let you put off work.

Ask yourself what kind of trouble will happen if your inactivity lasts longer. And do not get hung up on what is threatening you in the next moment. Think hard about the long term: ruined career, lack of money, ruined health, problems in your personal life.

Such a step may seem radical, but it perfectly breaks through the psychological block. If a dose of fear can get you back on track to achieving your goals, isn't it worth it?

The truth is, all people tend to procrastinate. The main thing here is to take action. Sometimes a few simple questions are enough for this.