A Simple, Fast Way To Start Seeing Results
There’s something strange that happens when you measure things.
They improve.Just by knowing the benchmark or the baseline, human brings just naturally want to improve.Do that in your life and work and you will set yourself up for success automatically.It’s all tuning after that.
2 Minute Action
I don’t ask anyone to measure tasks by saying “how long will that take?”Or worse: “how long should that take?”I use points.Tasks should be assigned point values based on uncertainty. (Have you done this before? Do you have the skill set on your team to execute this? Do you need a consultant to get this done?)As tasks get uncertain, they tend to get really uncertain (because we don’t know all the things we don’t know).So you’ll want to use a point system that goes up roughly exponentially, like: 1, 3, 5, 10, 21
It’s up to you to decide how to assign the point values.
Its up to you to measure how many points you score in an allotted period of time (the “sprint”).Don't try to get it perfect.Just do it.
Just start measuring.
If you don’t want to use points, fine.Use T-Shirt sizes to start (Sm, Med, Lg, XL).You will do better every subsequent time.It can be tasks, pushups, lives saved, attendees, happy clients, or whatever you want.
Just start measuring.
The First Thing You Should Do Everyday To Be Successful
The skills you need will come with time and effort.What's more important is your attitude, your aptitude, and what you believe in.
These things can be said as these questions:
- How will you react when things go terribly wrong?
- What are you capable of?
- What will motivate you intrinsically?
2 Minute Action
It's basically never a bad idea to be in a positive mindset.Take 2 minutes to think of all the reasons you will excel, today.Now think about the thing you least want to do.Do that first.
It's Not Your Fault, But It Is Your Responsibility
The skills that were taught in school are mostly irrelevant.
Sure, there are basics like math and reading--but even now, the average reading level in the US is 8th grade.
It's not your fault, but it is your responsibility.
It's not fair, for sure.
The sooner we accept and adjust, the sooner we can get moving.
What skills are relevant for your success, today?How about in 10 years?
There are basic, fundamental skills that are required in everything you do.
Some of these are reading, writing, and math.
Then, there are multiplier skills, which help you get better at other skills.
Some of these are discipline, focus, and work ethic.
There are also transferrable skills which are more advanced and can be useful across any field.
Some of these are project management, negotiation, and leadership.
It's not your fault you were never taught these things.
But it is no one's responsibility but yours to make sure you practice, learn, and successfully implement these skills.
2 Minute Action:
Take 2 minutes to identify which of these skills you feel you are good at.Which ones are you bad at?Now is the time to commit to improving 1 of those weaknesses.The world is your oyster. "I don't know how" is a poor excuse.You have the internet, professional counselors, universities, and a supercomputer in your pocket.
"You have everything you need to build something bigger than yourself."- Seth Godin