Going in for sports, reducing your intake of sweets, starting to meditate, learning a foreign language, reading a useful book or watching an intellectual movie - each of us has a list of things to do. But ... they are not done.
Now there is no time, then laziness, then the budget does not allow, then more important things come to light. The authors of the book "Start Small" are confident that all people can achieve goals, large and small, if they learn to set them correctly. Here are three rules to help you stop procrastinating.
Rule 1. Make a commitment
Imagine it is Wednesday evening. It was a tough day at work, and you decided to relax in front of the TV. One channel shows a spectacular but primitive film. On the other - the intellectual one, which you have been going to see for a long time. What will you choose?
You will most likely opt for the smart one, but include a cash register alternative. Scientists have investigated this phenomenon with the help of students. They were divided into two groups and asked to choose three different films for three days. The first group chose the film on the day of the screening, and the second - all three films on the first day.
Want to watch an intelligent movie? Plan it ahead.
In the first group, the majority watched box-office films all three days. In the second group, the majority only on the first day inclined to this option. In the following days, the students watched those films that had been planned in advance - and it was an intellectual cinema.
We tend to choose pleasure now, and put off a useful task until tomorrow. But tomorrow never comes if it's not planned.
To get rid of this problem, you need to establish a commitment. If you find that it will be difficult to regularly go to the gym or practice a foreign language because you want to go to the club and not conjugate verbs, make a commitment. It can be about the ultimate goal (running a marathon in four hours) or completing the most problematic steps on the way to it (going for a run three times a week).
Rule 2. Write down and read out
It is important for us that in the eyes of those around us, our words do not diverge from our deeds. Therefore, the best thing you can do to fulfill a commitment is to write it down in a prominent place and share it with friends and acquaintances.
Recording increases the likelihood of fulfillment of the obligation, and its announcement gives an additional impetus.
Perhaps that is why we invite guests to the wedding in order to make a vow in their presence, and not just agree to marry a partner. According to statistics, couples who marry in secret divorce more than twelve times more often than those whose weddings were carried out in the presence of more than 200 people.
Consider ways to publicize your commitment, such as promising to post a daily report on social media. This will help you stay on track.
Rule 3. Appoint an Arbitrator
The appointment of an arbitrator is an admission that temptation will arise in the future that is difficult to resist. Having someone to monitor your behavior and judge whether you have achieved your goals increases the likelihood of fulfilling your commitment.
The arbiter must be chosen correctly. First, it must be fair. You shouldn't assign someone to this role who will rejoice at your failure or will wave cakes in front of your nose when you are trying to lose weight.
Secondly, you need to be sure that the arbiter is ready to force you to act, that is, to impose a penalty (or present an award). Many will think that a loved one is ideal for this role. This is not so: most likely, he will react with understanding to unacceptable behavior ("You had a very difficult day!") And will begin to pander to your weaknesses
A trusted colleague will be the best arbiter, because he will not indulge you as a life partner.
So, make a commitment, write it down and make it public, and then appoint an arbiter to help you get there. Doesn't sound too difficult. Try it, and it will become easier to do useful things.
Based on the book "Start Small"
Now there is no time, then laziness, then the budget does not allow, then more important things come to light. The authors of the book "Start Small" are confident that all people can achieve goals, large and small, if they learn to set them correctly. Here are three rules to help you stop procrastinating.
Rule 1. Make a commitment
Imagine it is Wednesday evening. It was a tough day at work, and you decided to relax in front of the TV. One channel shows a spectacular but primitive film. On the other - the intellectual one, which you have been going to see for a long time. What will you choose?
You will most likely opt for the smart one, but include a cash register alternative. Scientists have investigated this phenomenon with the help of students. They were divided into two groups and asked to choose three different films for three days. The first group chose the film on the day of the screening, and the second - all three films on the first day.
Want to watch an intelligent movie? Plan it ahead.
In the first group, the majority watched box-office films all three days. In the second group, the majority only on the first day inclined to this option. In the following days, the students watched those films that had been planned in advance - and it was an intellectual cinema.
We tend to choose pleasure now, and put off a useful task until tomorrow. But tomorrow never comes if it's not planned.
To get rid of this problem, you need to establish a commitment. If you find that it will be difficult to regularly go to the gym or practice a foreign language because you want to go to the club and not conjugate verbs, make a commitment. It can be about the ultimate goal (running a marathon in four hours) or completing the most problematic steps on the way to it (going for a run three times a week).
Rule 2. Write down and read out
It is important for us that in the eyes of those around us, our words do not diverge from our deeds. Therefore, the best thing you can do to fulfill a commitment is to write it down in a prominent place and share it with friends and acquaintances.
Recording increases the likelihood of fulfillment of the obligation, and its announcement gives an additional impetus.
Perhaps that is why we invite guests to the wedding in order to make a vow in their presence, and not just agree to marry a partner. According to statistics, couples who marry in secret divorce more than twelve times more often than those whose weddings were carried out in the presence of more than 200 people.
Consider ways to publicize your commitment, such as promising to post a daily report on social media. This will help you stay on track.
Rule 3. Appoint an Arbitrator
The appointment of an arbitrator is an admission that temptation will arise in the future that is difficult to resist. Having someone to monitor your behavior and judge whether you have achieved your goals increases the likelihood of fulfilling your commitment.
The arbiter must be chosen correctly. First, it must be fair. You shouldn't assign someone to this role who will rejoice at your failure or will wave cakes in front of your nose when you are trying to lose weight.
Secondly, you need to be sure that the arbiter is ready to force you to act, that is, to impose a penalty (or present an award). Many will think that a loved one is ideal for this role. This is not so: most likely, he will react with understanding to unacceptable behavior ("You had a very difficult day!") And will begin to pander to your weaknesses
A trusted colleague will be the best arbiter, because he will not indulge you as a life partner.
So, make a commitment, write it down and make it public, and then appoint an arbiter to help you get there. Doesn't sound too difficult. Try it, and it will become easier to do useful things.
Based on the book "Start Small"
