WEEK 39: BE PROUD OF THE NOW

WT = Waiting Time. DT = Development Time.

PLANNING (task, scheduling, and WT = DT):  I plan to write my Leap Year W10 post into the site Medium onWednesday at 6 PM in study. Also, I plan to meet SJ and the Josephs on Monday and Tuesday at 1:45 PM in my office. I plan to turn those small WTs into Grateful Time, where I look to see what I can be grateful for in those situations. For example, last week I thought how great it was to be able to walk and go buy fresh groceries everyday. 

EXECUTION (strategies used):  Week 39 finished and I was able to complete two out of the three tasks on the original planned date. Although I use a combination of many strategies throughout the week, there are always some that are used more than others depending on what comes up. For example, I relied heavily on the Implementation Intentions, and Got 2-minutes strategies this week, as it there was a lot of things that I need to complete at school. The highlighted strategies that were used in the week are listed below along with the I CAN'T statements that they help overcome. 

Procrastination...I CAN'T because I am not motivated or do not feel like it...

Early Scheduling = Implementation Intentions: This is a strategy that I credit to completing my tasks consistently on a weekly basis. In this strategy, you first PLAN to complete a task at a SCHEDULED time (day and time) in a specific location as early in the week as you can. More specifically you fill in the following statement.

I plan to [task] on [day] at [time] in [location].

Three benefits are produced from doing this. First, you get a sense of accomplishment if you complete the task in the beginning of the week at the scheduled time. In addition, it allows you to devout more time to do additional tasks to reach your goals within the same week. Second, it provides more time to complete the task if life presents you with something that needs to be attended to during the original scheduled time. Lastly, research shows that you are 2X to 3X more likely to follow through on your actions. I learned about this strategy from James Clear, who is a great blogger that writes on the science of human behavior and how to build better habits. He shows the research on how Implementation Intentions help you follow through on your plans and achieve your goals.

Procrastination...I CAN'T start because I do not have enough time...

Got 2-minutes: I learned the 2-minute rule from James Clear and it helps you initiate a task, as usually this is the most difficult step. This strategy helps you focus on what you would do in the first 2 minutes of starting a task and then completing those actions.  Often times do this and then look up at the clock and see that I have been working for well over 2 minutes. I have now merged this with the "Got a Minute" strategy, which is used to turn any amount of free time into productive time. It comes from Vierordt's Law, which states that when estimating a previous task, people overestimate short durations and underestimate long ones. Simply, we regularly overestimate how long it will take to accomplish meaningful tasks. Often times they can be accomplished in a short amount of time, so don't judge if you will start something by how much time you think you have, just start! 

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): Another week and another big X being added to the Leap Year calendar. Here are my reflections for the W39.

What went well?

I was able to complete the weekly task and one of the two other tasks that I set for myself. Although I was not able to complete the third task, I am proud that I was able to complete at least two meaningful tasks that I set for myself. 

Like I mentioned above there were a lot of tasks that needed to completed at school, as this was the last week with students. I had to prep students for IOC's, monitor their Extended Essay study area, and still teach my 10th graders. This all on top of being a husband, father, and preparing for a 10 hour international trip to return to the states for the summer. Just a little busy to say the least. 

In the past, I would have definitely felt overwhelmed with all of these "to dos" that life presented me with and would have not attended to the other meaningful tasks that I wanted to complete. Although I would have a sense of accomplishment for completing these necessary "to dos", I would also feel frustrated and unfulfilled because I did not get to my meaningful tasks. I would tell myself "tomorrow I will do it, or I will have a break soon, I will do it then." The truth of the matter is that I would never do it, thus the accumulation of the "I will do it later" statements kept adding up over time and created a huge sense of unfulfillment in my life. I was merely surviving, not LIVING! 

I read a great quote a friend sent me this week and it said "Be proud of the NOW." I have learned so many great things this year, but I finally understand the process the success. We all strive for success in our daily lives both professionally and personally, but most of us, including me, find it very difficult and elusive. 

I have mentioned in previous posts a quote about success from Dane Maxwell, Co-founder of The Foundation. He says "Success is mechanical." I have truly learned this in the past three weeks and actually have built upon this statement. Here is my definition "Success is mechanical. Be 100% committed and be disciplined to actions that move you closer to your goals." That is how you can succeed in any area of your life. 

That is why I am proud of the NOW, as the Leap Year has given me the tools and experiences to finally understand this. It took me close to 40 weeks, but I have learned a valuable lesson that I can apply in any realm to succeed and I promise that you will be able to do this as well. All you have to be is 100% committed and disciplined to your Leap Year process. That means you show up and complete your weekly tasks no matter what! 

You might not see outward growth every week, but know that you are putting in the work to help you grow exponentially. This is how the Chinese bamboo grows up to 90 feet, 30 meters, in the fifth year alone. There is minimal to no growth in the first four years, but they are necessary in order to provide itself the elements it needs to grow exponentially in the fifth year. This is the same for you, so stay committed and be disciplined to completing your weekly tasks, knowing you are laying the groundwork to grow to heights never thought possible. 

What is something we can improve upon? What actions can we take next week?

Laugh more. As adults we tend to laugh less than our children. There are studies that show how laughter improves brain and physical health. I am grateful to have cultivated a laser like focus during my Leap Year process, which has led to me being serious more of the time. I realize that I need to find balance and take time to relax and laugh more. 

What is something to avoid next week?

Not laughing at all. :(

Thanks for tuning in and see you back in W40!