All Of My Clients Get Homework
I just got off the phone with a prospective new client, and I promised him that if he worked with me, he would have homework. In other words, part of the process of progress is preparation. That is where the most important homework is assigned.
The homework I assign depends largely on each client’s goals, and if they aren’t really sure what those goals are, we start there.
Without going too far into the perils of the current educational systems, I do have a very strong opinion about homework, with regard to how it applies to real life. Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about quantity of homework. I am talking about quality of homework. Unfortunately homework is loathed because the focus is on the immediacy of a test or task that must often be accomplished for the sheer sake of accomplishment, without thought given to long-term implications. Even studying for a test in a subject of little personal interest could be enhanced with proper preparation, making the entire process more effective and maybe even enjoyable.
I am talking about preparation as an acquired skill through spaced repetition, for things like dealing with stress, scheduling and prioritizing, managing people and teams, etc. These things extend far beyond school into the work force, and while you may long be out of school, it is not too late to start the good habits of preparation.
Preparation is more than just the act that you go through, like studying for example. It is about goals, strategy, and process; all of these things have to be personalized to your individual personality. Finding a system that works for you personally is key to your successful preparation efforts. Remember that one form of filing or office organization or study habit might work very well for someone else, but might not be adequate for you. Remember to experiment until you find what works for you.
Most importantly, don’t overlook the preparation. Don’t be afraid of the homework. You will ultimately go into your “performance” much more confidently which will result in more wins for you.
The attitude that you have toward the process of sucess begins with preparation and will carry over, for better or for worse, into your results. Good preparation habits now will save you work later, because you can build on them, and as your preparation habits become second nature, you won’t have to fight so hard with your current tendencies to procrastinate or become distracted.
5 Top Tips for preparation!
Calendar it
Have an organized workspace
Implement personalized systems
Break it into chunks
Know your purpose
How are you successful in your preparation?
