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You would quickly mentally associate that knocking with getting down to work.
The next time you need to take an action, but find yourself struggling with procrastination, you could get yourself started by knocking three times. That way, you're already taking action (the knocking is the action), and once in motion (through the power of momentum), you will continue taking action on whatever was in front of you.
Are you getting enough sleep?
Are you eating well,
Are you getting some ...
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Are you managing you...
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Are you drinking enou...
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Are you taking the time to enjoy periods of guilt-free play?
You decided once and are now free from making that decision ever again.
Hack: Focus on the end results of an action, not on the action itself. By doing so, you can turn pain into pleasure.
Track your current usage of time.
10 minutes once will not do you any good. 10 minutes every day for a year can accomplish some pretty big goals.
“Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only to stand still.”
This story perfectly illustrates the plight of the procrastinator.
He knew that as long as he stayed on the trail, his small steps would add up until, before he knew it, he would be at the end of the race.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Each ticking second would bring him inevitably closer to his goal, one easy step at a time.
One of the keys to attaining any goal is to figure out which actions will lead to the accomplishment of that goal and then enshrining those actions in a regular habit.
But by instead creating what appears to be a minor, simple habit, writing 200 words each evening before I retire to bed, I will have set into motion the effortless accomplishment of my goal.
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
No one and nothing will get you to back down.
There are few greater pleasures than goofing off when we are supposed to be doing work. These short-term pleasures drive procrastination and prevent us from reaching our long-term goals.
Ultimately you will find yourself unfulfilled, with life and opportunities having passed you by.
Procrastination ultimately just hurts you.
Drop the losers from your life.
How can you ever accomplish anything great, when surrounded by those who have never done anything great themselves, and who mock and discourage you in your attempts at reaching higher?
Find new friends who are successful, positive and encouraging.
“The biggest trap, the biggest dungeon in life isn't laziness or bad luck, it's comfort.”
That is YOUR job. You need to set these intermediate, stepping-stone deadlines.
Pain works when it comes to motivating a procrastinator.
It's painful to accept the responsibility for your failures. That pain will drive you towards taking action.
You need to raise your level of integrity so that going back on your word is just as painful as stealing from orphans.
Raise your level of integrity and watch procrastination disappear.
"We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment."
"If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead, make your work more pleasurable."
“The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.”
I'm willing to bet you have some goals not consciously chosen of your free will, but instead chosen out of a sense of obligation or social pressure.
Better to pursue something you are interested in with all your passion, than halfheartedly pursue someone else's goals.
Hack: Decide on a goal and make sure it is your goal.
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
We're going to assemble a dream team to make taking consistent action easier and more pleasurable. A group of supporters to give us love, encouragement, and a kick in the pants when needed.
Many successful people are only too happy to share their wisdom.
Just be sure whoever you choose as a mentor has had success in whatever area you are working towards. No wanna-bees need apply, just those with proven success.
Hack: Create a dream team of supporters and motivators. Friends, family, like-minded groups, coaches, mentors, roll-models, as well as all the support you can give to yourself.
Small efforts compounded over time that lead to big results.
They don't want to know about all the small actions you are taking over time to turn your dreams into reality. Once you make it happen, then show them. Then, be prepared to smile knowingly as they tell you how “lucky” you were to have your dreams just fall into your lap.
Hack: Keep your daily actions secret. Only you will know the small, seemingly insignificant action you are taking daily towards your goal. Others may eventually see the results, but your daily actions are a secret pleasure unto themselves.
Taking action is a lot easier and more fun when you're inspired, when you believe in yourself and your abilities.
Hack: Keep a journal of all your accomplishments. Refer to it and add to it often. Soon you'll see just how much of a winner you already are.
Hack: Do whatever it takes to make yourself more comfortable and the work more pleasant.
