The decent method you follow is better than the perfect method you quit.
I value self-discipline, but creating systems that make it next to impossible to misbehave is more reliable than self-control.
If we’re talking about just distractions, we’re talking about prioritization. If you feel like you don’t have time, you don’t have priorities. Everyone has the same amount of time.
It is imperative that you learn to ignore or redirect all information and interruptions that are irrelevant, unimportant, or unactionable. Most are all three.
In a world of distraction and multitasking, the ability to single task — to genuinely do one thing without getting distracted by push notifications, alerts, email, text messages, social media, whatever it might be — is a super power.
The problem with New Year’s resolutions – and resolutions to ‘get in better shape’ in general, which are very amorphous – is that people try to adopt too many behavioral changes at once. It doesn’t work. I don’t care if you’re a world-class CEO – you’ll quit.
The end product of the shorter deadline is almost inevitably of equal or higher quality due to greater focus.
Indiscriminate action is a form of laziness.
Schedule things in advance, or you might be inclined to quit. A lot of standup comedians do this, because they may have six or 12 gigs before they do their first set well. Commit beforehand; prepay if you can.
It’s hip to focus on getting things done, but it’s only possible once we remove the constant static and distraction.
I value self-discipline, but creating systems that make it next to impossible to misbehave is more reliable than self-control.
Blaming idiots for interruptions is like blaming clowns for scaring children – they can’t help it. It’s their nature. Then again, I had, on occasion, been known to create interruptions out of thin air. If you’re anything like me, that makes us both occasional idiots. Learn to recognize and fight the interruption impulse. This is infinitely easier when you have a set of rules, responses, and routines to follow.
What bullshit excuses do you have for not going after whatever it is that you want? (Conversation with BJ Miller)
