Simple can be hard!
Many things in life are both simple and hard! These words of “simple” and “hard” exist with many of the most common things that we want to do to improve ourselves.
There’s so much temptation to coast, to take it easy. Staying in the same place requires nothing from us, but change requires us to take action to change our behavior. And change is hard for us. It’s not rocket science to know what to do. The challenge comes from actually applying it, from doing it.
Personal finance is simple. Spend less than we earn. It’s also hard as we’re surrounded by seemingly infinite temptation.
Losing weight is simple. Eat fewer calories. It’s also hard when we’re surrounded by seemingly infinite temptation.
Improving our personal relationships is simple. We could devote more time to that person and really listen to them. But we’re surrounded by seemingly infinite temptations.
Acquiring more skills in simple. We could devote time to study and practice those specific skills. Change and learning is hard work and we’re surrounded by seemingly infinite temptation.
Since change is hard, we need an anti-procrastination hack!
A formula for taking action is simple: we just need to ask ourselves “Can I just (insert micro-commitment?) here.
It’s something so small and simple that we can readily say “yes” to doing it even if we have little willpower. A micro-commitment can be an end-run around the seemingly too-bit task.
If I’ve been procrastinating about cleaning my apartment, I can ask, Can I take just two minutes to clean up the kitchen counter?
At first glance, it may seem like it wouldn’t accomplish much, but I usually notice an internal shift when I shift into action. And it’s quite possible that I may find myself thinking I’ve already started so I may as well keep going for a little longer.
If I want to be have a better relationship with a friend, I can choose to make a quick phone call each weekend to check in with them. And, just maybe, I’ll choose to set up a time to actually meet them for coffee.
Why don’t you consider picking just one thing you’ve been procrastinating about and then implement a micro-commitment that will give you momentum?
