Read This If You're Waiting For Something
In the "productivity" or "project management" world, things you're waiting on are called dependencies.
In the "productivity" or "project management" world, things you're waiting on are called dependencies.
You're dependent on someone's work to get done so you can start your own.
In complex projects, you may have multiple dependencies--which means even if some of them are ready on time or ahead of schedule if ONE of them is late, your start time is late.
Based on this, you can easily guess that the fewer dependencies you have, the faster you can go because you're in more control of your start/finish times.
One of the reasons startups move so fast is because there are fewer departments, fewer regulations or requirements, and often, fewer stakeholders weighing in.
Faster doesn't always mean better, I'm just pointing out a real-world example, here.
The point is, that whatever you're doing, you may be waiting on dependencies that you have no control over and you might be waiting on dependencies that you can remove.
Distinguishing and scrutinizing dependencies are the skills we're developing, here.
2 Minute Action:
What are the things you're waiting on to finish or even start?
What would happen if you went ahead without them?
If you're a surgeon and you're waiting on the blood-type of your patient, you should probably hold off until you have it. The stakes are high.
For most other scenarios, the stakes aren't very high and you might find that you can get to your goal faster if you eliminate dependencies or if you work in parallel while they're in progress.
So, in 2 minutes, find a dependency you have and challenge it.
Make it fight for its life to stay a dependency.
Your work depends on it.
Read This If You Have Writer's Block
I can't think of what to write.
I don't know what will resonate with people.
This idea could be better.
This idea should be better.
Blah. Blah. Blah.
That's one of those inner voices that is stopping you from starting.
So, how do I avoid writer's block?
I literally just start writing.
I start writing about whatever is happening, relevant, on my mind, happened recently, whatever.
The process of writing and turning a story or an idea into a lesson/action happens as I go.
This helps me beat "writer's block."
I also write like I talk, which means that what I write is easy to understand and easy to read--because you're busy and have stuff to do.
I love talking about this because I feel like it plagues so many people.
Start first. The thinking will follow. You can edit later.
Nike nailed this one with "Just Do It."
It's not just writers who get "writer's block."
It's entrepreneurs, teachers, consultants, physicists, and anyone else with a human brain.
You're not going to avoid feeling like you have it, but you can manage it when the feeling is upon you.
2 Minute Action:
What is something you've been avoiding?
Maybe something you've been waiting on something/someone else for?
What would happen if you had to execute anyway?
- If you're writing a book, a 2-minute version of that might be a blog post.
- If you're shooting a movie, a 2-minute version of that might be an Instagram live video.
- If you're writing software application, a 2-minute version of that might be a "hello world" script.
What else? I'd love to hear other ways you can take what you're working on and start with just 2 minutes of action.
If you're not sure or if you feel stuck, just reply/comment.
I bet we can find a solution, together.
Read This If You Need To Start
Why do we wait to get picked?
Why does someone else have to choose us for their team?
Why can't we just start doing exactly what we want to do?
The answer is that you don't have to wait and you can start right now.
Here's a quick story as an example from my own life:
Once, when I needed a job, I found myself filling out applications.
I hunted down a good job description and eagerly wrote up a new cover letter. I sent it off, in the web-form, with my resume, to go sit in some database with all the others. I sent it along and waited.
I sent out more and more--and I waited, still.
I wondered who would pick me.
After enough time, I was frustrated and anxious. I knew that I needed to take things into my own hands.
I walked down the street to one of the companies I'd applied to. I walked in and said that I needed to talk to the HR director about the email I'd sent. This was true.
When I talked to the HR director, I asked "what is your smelliest, ugliest, most irritating problem that no one wants to solve in your company right now?"
She laughed and proceeded to tell me about a small, but important part of an upcoming project that could use some extra support.
I offered to work for free on this small project. In exchange, if things went well, she agreed that she would write me a letter of recommendation and send it out to her colleagues in the area.
You never have to wait to do something important or meaningful.
2 Minute Action
What's something you've been putting off? Call or text a friend and ask them to hold you accountable for finishing it. Give them a clear time and day when you'll be done and offer to wash their car/mow their lawn/walk their dog/whatever if you don't deliver.
It's too hard to motivate yourself to do something.
It's easier to force yourself to do what you don't want to do by changing the environment around you.