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 Think You Should Be Yourself
"Be yourself and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
"Stick to your guns."
"Not everyone will like you, just keep doing you."
Have you heard any of these before?
I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with being yourself--sort of.
I mean, let's get real here.
What if you're a jerk?
Here's an example:
Steve Jobs did some impactful work, but there are 2 things that Jobs fans often forget.
- Steve Jobs didn't do anything by himself, he had Steve Wozniak as his chief integrator to get stuff done.
- Steve Jobs was a jerk to a lot of people.
What's important about this is the outcome and then also "how" the outcome was achieved, specifically, I'm talking about working relationships.
It's great if you're making an impact, but it's not great if you're not treating others with respect. Impact and respect are NOT mutually exclusive!
So, do you think "keep doing you" is good advice for Steve Jobs? Maybe in part.
I think better advice might be "be true to your beliefs and empathize with others."
Or maybe something like "be genuine, honest, and respectful."
So, be yourself AND make sure you're auditing the feedback that's around you.
This gets harder if you've built a lifetime reputation of being difficult to work with because, at some point, the feedback people are willing to provide you might not be honest since honest feedback has gotten them nowhere with you in the past. But that's a deeper story.
2 Minute Action:
Every couple of years, I put together an anonymous feedback form and send it to the folks who know me best or who have worked with me closely.
Some people fill it out. Some of them just call me and say "let's talk through this in person."
There's no wrong way to eat a Reese's, here.
In 2 minutes, you can call a trusted friend or create an anonymous Google form that you can send out.
Do you (iterate). Get feedback (measure). Understand the feedback (learn). Revise your approach (reiterate).
Here are some questions you can steal from me, for your own feedback form:
- What are 3 of my superpowers?
- What might be 3 of my biggest weaknesses?
- What do you think is the best part of working with me?
- What might be the most challenging part of working with me?
- If you had telekinesis, what would you make me automatically understand?