What hinders me? Author David Mamet reminds us that "a man distracted is a man defeated."
Systems are the processes we use to get thing done. Great process favors better outcomes.
Ask three questions...from James Clear...
- How can I remake my environment?
- How can I remake myself?
- What bad habit(s) needs reform?
Environment. Fewer distractions (Internet, email, cellphones/texting) favor more productivity. A computer 'multitasks' by rapidly switching from one set of calculations to another. People lack the "processing power" to do the same. Build in breaks (on 25 minutes, off 5 minutes) for work and study. Even professional sports teams use this method.
Identity. Be the change. Become the person you want to be. If you envision yourself as an "A" student, assume the habits of one. Overweight but see yourself as a healthy-lifestyle person? That impacts our diet and exercise choices. Want to be a more impactful player? Work your practice, strength and conditioning, and video study. Make our habits consistent with our self-image.
Want to be a writer? Write every day.
Erase bad habits. If we're too much of a couch potato, chocoholic, or video game addict, make bad habits harder. Uninstall time wasting apps. Limit the time allotted to "goofing off" and substitute time better invested.
Drill. Add degrees of difficulty in setting your personal best.
Set play. Horns, pick-and-pop, into nail pass and backdoor cut.
Summary:
- Distractions defeat us.
- Great process improves outcomes.
- Build in breaks.
- Be the change.
- Make our habits consistent with our self-image.
- Make bad habits harder.
Lagniappe. A look at one of my childhood idols, Pete Maravich. Sam Jones was my favorite player growing up.