October 4th, 2021
2 minute read
As we try to develop ourselves and improve our productivity, we also need to focus on small, consistent improvements. These small daily improvements are the equivalent to interest that accrues to a savings account. It was non-other than Einstein himself who said that the 8th wonder of the world is compound interest.
Using it in our lifestyle has immeasurable benefits, and it really just comes with consistency and requires a paradigmatic shift in the way we perceive time. Essentially, if you can get 1% better at any given task each day for one year, you’ll end up 37x better by the time you’re done.
Following on from compound interests, micro-habits is a less intimidating way to incorporate consistency into your day. The famous productivity book called Atomic Habits talks about habits in more detail, but micro-habits can simplify habit-making even further. The habit feedback loop consists of a cue, a routine and a reward. For instance, a good habit to form for working out regularly could be setting your alarm to go to the gym (the cue), doing the workout (the routine) and finally, feeling the release of those endorphins (the reward). You could even apply an element of accountability to the cue by asking a friend to go with you.
Although that was a fairly big example, this doesn't have to be the case. Micro-habits could be small, simple yet pave the road for achieving profound goals. For instance, you could: stretch at appointed times- spine support, walk for 15 minutes - mental mindfulness, or journal for 5 minutes - alleviates anxiety.
How often do we procrastinate on tedious, difficult and vague tasks and then feel the guilt later? too much. One small, yet powerful mind-trick you could use is changing the way you approach those tasks.
if you need to write an assignment, don't say "I need to work on my assignment", rather "I'm gonna write 100 words" or "I'll write for 25 minutes". You have now turned the task from an output-based goal , to an input-based goal. This instantly makes the task easier and specific, which reduces resistance.
That's all today folks, thank you again for reading. If you're interested in my weekly newsletter, "Over-sharing Sundays" I send out that includes productivity insights, videos and articles, click here