#67 - Productivity 101 - Start small
When we want to start a new habit, say jogging or writing a book, we always think about the final goal. A goal is always a most required signpost which pushes us to do great things through perseverance. In the beginning, You will feel all pumped up. But few days into it, you will have to grind. This is where we all drop out.
I will try to explain it further with an example. Let’s say, you have decided to write a book on that idea, which has been inside you for quite some time. Before writing, You dream about the finish line. This is when you haven’t even stood in the starting line.
On day one and two, you will be happy that you have written something. On day three, the enthusiasm wanes, you decide to wing it and plan to write the next day. After a week or fortnight, you will be still procrastinating. Finally, writing a book becomes just another wishful thought.
The problem is that writing a book is not a one-day activity. You have to go through the grind and turn up every day, without fail. You should write when you don’t feel like writing. You should write when you feel watching that TV show.
To do this, you should not chase a goal. Instead, break down your goal into smaller milestones spread over a quantifiable period of time. Then start with your first milestone. Once done, move on to your second. So on and So forth. This way, you will not be overwhelmed with an insurmountable goal.
Many a times, a goal that is difficult to achieve is a hindrance to start working towards it. So make it simple and break down into individual milestones.
P.S. Since 2011, I have been experimenting to create new habits and improve productivity. I am documenting those things that have worked for me. Initially, it was a struggle to create new habits. There were false starts. Then there were frustrating periods when I couldn’t sustain the momentum. I started following people who were on this similar journey and tried to learn from them. This series of posts is a result of years of experimentation and practice.