WEEK 45: BEING A PRO

WT = Waiting Time. DT = Development Time.

PLANNING (task, scheduling, and WT = DT):  I plan to write my Leap Year W16 post into the site Medium onWednesday at 6 PM in study. 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 back home in Brazil. It is a great feeling to be able to have a place called home and sleep in your own bed. 

EXECUTION (strategies used):  W45 complete! 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 Be a Po B and Implementation Intentions strategies, as I was not able to complete the task until later on in the week. 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...

Be a PRO: I actually learned this strategy through insights from Jeff Goins, Tim Ferris, and James Clear. 

First, Jeff Goins mentioned in a podcast that “action will follow mindset.” Second, James Clear wrote that it does not matter what you want to become better at, the only skill that separates a “Pro” from an “amateur” is the ability to show up. Third, Tim Ferris said on his 4-Hr Work Week blog that “Practicing key habits when we don’t want to is the most key habit to all.” This reinforces this idea of being a “Pro” by having the mindset to show up consistently and completing the work.

The difficult thing about being a pro requires us to consistently follow through. Yet, we often let the challenges of everyday life get in the way and only attempt to do the work when we feel motivated. This produces small gains if any and leads us down a path of frustration. There will be days when you do not want to complete a key habit or activity, but develop the mindset of a “Pro” by showing up, sticking to your schedule, and then completing the tasks that move your forward.

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.

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): Approximately 87% of my Leap Year process is now complete. Can't believe it, but also know there is a lot that has to be done before the completion of my first manuscript in the remaining 13% of the time I have left. While this will present challenges and might cause me to fear not getting done, I now know that fear will always be a part of completing something meaningful. You just have to be willing to dance with it on a continuous basis as there will always be a level of uncertainty in whatever you try. So let's dance!

Here are my reflections for the week.

What went well?

The weekly task was much easier to complete, as we finally made it back to our home in Brazil. We had an amazing time the last 30 days visiting family and friends from all across the US, but like I mentioned above, it is good to be home. 

I have learned that sticking to key habits and "Being a Pro" is much more difficult when you are traveling. Schedules are not set and there are numerous daily challenges that you have to deal with on a consistent basis. This all on top of staying committed to your key habits...completing your weekly task to complete your Leap Year process.

Now that we are home and I have had some time to reflect about this, I truly understand the meaning of "Being a Pro." In the past I would have let the challenges of traveling overwhelm me and allow myself to say "tomorrow I will get to those meaningful tasks." Additional excuses would have surfaced when I thought there was no time or I did not want to miss out on something. Thus, taking me away from dedicating time to those tasks that I know would have moved me forward. 

I will be honest and say it was a struggle at times to stay committed to the weekly tasks during the trip, but this idea of "Being a Pro" is one thing that also continually popped up in my mind every time I did not want to complete the task. This would take me back to the "Be a Pro" strategy that says to first have the mindset to show up. Then, stick to your schedule, even if that means you have to schedule another time to commit to the task as you were not able to do so on the original scheduled time. Lastly, complete the task, no matter what. It was not perfect at times and there times when I could only devote 10 - 20 minutes, but the key is that I showed up, stuck to my schedule, and completed the tasks! 

Lastly, I read something great from Benjamin Hardy on the site Medium titled  "There is No Way to Happiness." In the article he writes that we often have (money, time, love) before they can do what they want, which in turn allow them to be (happy, successful, motivated...). I can attest that I felt this way for long periods of time and would tell myself "If I only had more time or money, I could start." Probably some of you have told yourself the same thing at one point or another. 

The funny thing is that successful people actually look at this sequence in reverse. They first choose to be (happy, successful, motivated...). This leads them to do what they want and then have (money, time, love).

A prime example of this is Scott Adams, the famous cartoonist and creator of the comic strip Dilbert. He would write 15 times a day the sentence "I Scott Adams, will become a syndicated cartoonist." This idea was buried deep into his subconscious mind and he sought daily activities that would allow him to fulfill this statement. The more he drew and wrote, the more opportunities presented themselves to him that he never saw before. Then, he eventually became a syndicated cartoonist. 

What Benjamin wrote and the idea of "Being a Pro" go hand in hand. First, choose to be a pro. Second, commit to the schedule to do and complete activities that will help you become a pro. Third, one day you will have the life of a pro!

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

Speak in a manner that matches my intentions. I, or my wife, caught me talking in harsh and acerbic tones a couple of times this week. I did this unconsciously, and was not aware of this until she pointed this out to me. I will be mindful of this and match my intentions to the way I talk to others. 

What is something to avoid next week?

Speaking harshly to others. 

WEEK 44: Success is Mechanical

WT = Waiting Time. DT = Development Time.

PLANNING (task, scheduling, and WT = DT):  I plan to write my Leap Year W15 post in the site Medium onWednesday at 2 PM in the basement of my in laws house. 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 have loving in laws. They have provided my family with so much during our visit home and I am very grateful for that. 

EXECUTION (strategies used):  W44, check! 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 Be a Pro, Implementation Intentions, and Got 2-Minutes strategies this week, as I did not complete the weekly task until later in the week. 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, do not feel like it, or do not have enough time...

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.

Be a PRO: I actually learned this strategy through insights from Jeff Goins, Tim Ferris, and James Clear. 

First, Jeff Goins mentioned in a podcast that “action will follow mindset.” Second, James Clear wrote that it does not matter what you want to become better at, the only skill that separates a “Pro” from an “amateur” is the ability to show up. Third, Tim Ferris said on his 4-Hr Work Week blog that “Practicing key habits when we don’t want to is the most key habit to all.” This reinforces this idea of being a “Pro” by having the mindset to show up consistently and completing the work.

The difficult thing about being a pro requires us to consistently follow through. Yet, we often let the challenges of everyday life get in the way and only attempt to do the work when we feel motivated. This produces small gains if any and leads us down a path of frustration. There will be days when you do not want to complete a key habit or activity, but develop the mindset of a “Pro” by showing up, sticking to your schedule, and then completing the tasks that move your forward.

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): Eight weeks until the completion of my Leap Year! There has been so much I have learned and gained through the process and all I can say is WOW! Although I still have a lot of things to do in order to complete my first manuscript, I know to trust that everything will work out. 

Here is my reflection for W44.

What went well?

The task was completed and a key habit has been implanted into my daily routine. Although I have learned many new strategies this year, this one was one of the hardest to integrate into my daily life. It deals with succeeding in the face of everyday challenges. 

I have been traveling for over 26 days living out of suitcases, visiting family, friends and constantly planning the next phase of our trip. My wife and I have learned the distinction between a "trip" and a "vacation" this break. In the past I would have pooled these two terms together, but now know there is a true difference. The fact that we have traveled all across the country with our 16 mont h olds son has brought us to this realization. 

A vacation is when you have no duties and are completely carefree, where as, a trip is when you are still traveling but have responsibilities to carry out on a daily basis. For example, packing and unpacking four pieces of luggage and playing the game of trying to figure out what my son will eat are but a few of the daily challenges that my wife and I have dealt with on this "trip." Don't get me wrong, these past 26 days have been great but each day has been filled with various challenges. 

With that being said, I know for a fact that I would have let these daily challenges overwhelm me and give me the excuse to tell myself "I will get to those meaningful tasks tomorrow." Although I would feel a sense of accomplishment for completing the items on the daily "to do" list, I would also come to the end of the summer feeling quite frustrated.

WHY? Think about it. When was the last time that you told yourself "I will get to those meaningful tasks tomorrow, or I will read those books on vacation, or learn to___ later, but actually never complete these important activities. Then you ask yourself "well, why did I not get to those things?" Answer we get in our own way. What do I mean by this? We look at the list of daily challenges that we must complete and give ourselves the excuse "that we can do it later." 

I have learned that SUCCESS IS MECHANICAL, all you have to be is 100% committed and disciplined to actions that move you forward. Yes this is hard when you have a list of daily responsibilities that you have to take care of first, but also include the activities that move you closer to achieving your dreams. Completing these meaningful tasks closes the gap between where you are and where you think you should be.

I first learned this from Dane Maxwell, co-founder of The Foundation and self made millionaire, who mentioned this in a podcast that I listened to from Pat Flynn's SPI blog. I remember this statement resonating with me during the podcast, but did not understand the power of it until I was reflecting about how I was able to complete my four weekly tasks during my "trip" this summer. 

We strive to be successful, but often times complicate the process. I for one can raise my hand, as I tried many different things in the past before I was finally able to understand it. The formula for success is quite simple, all you have to do is be 100% committed and disciplined to actions that move you forward, now matter what. That is it!

Like I mentioned above, the biggest obstacle that I have found is that WE get in our own way. We stand in our own way by doubting, by telling ourselves "we can do it later", providing excuses, and talking ourselves out of all the things that we want to achieve. Therefore, get out of your own way and be committed and disciplined to actions that move you forward!

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

Learn not to make important decisions late at night. I learned that the worst time to make important decision is at night  about a month ago. First, your will power is probably low or non existent, and two, your mind is usually not in an alert state as you are getting ready for bed. 

Therefor, avoid serious decision before you go to bed. Leave these matters for earlier on in the day when you have more will power and alertness to make a better decision. 

What is something to avoid next week?

Making important decisions at bedtime. 

Thanks for tuning in and see you in W45.

WEEK 43: TRUST THAT YOU WILL FIGURE IT OUT

WT = Waiting Time. DT = Development Time.

PLANNING (task, scheduling, and WT = DT):  I plan to write my Leap Year W14 post into the site Medium onWednesday at 4 PM in my brothers house in Denver. 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 grateful I was for my parents allowing me to borrow their car for the summer. It provided us the freedom to get from one place to another and saved thousands of dollars.  

EXECUTION (strategies used):  W43 complete! The weekly task was not finished until Sunday, but the key thing is that it was done. 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, Be a Pro, and Seinfeld Strategy strategies this week, as I was not able to complete everything until the last three hours of the week. 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.

Be a PRO: I actually learned this strategy through insights from Jeff Goins, Tim Ferris, and James Clear. 

First, Jeff Goins mentioned in a podcast that “action will follow mindset.” This was one of the things that helped him stop acting like an amateur and become a pro at his craft of writing. Second, James Clear wrote that it does not matter what you want to become better at, the only skill that separates a “Pro” from an “amateur” is the ability to show up. Showing up entails sticking to a schedule and doing the work, especially when you do not want to. This is the only thing that separates the two!

The difficult thing is that being a pro requires us to consistently follow through. Yet, we often let the challenges of everyday life get in the way and only attempt to do the work when we feel motivated. This produces small gains if any and leads us down a path of frustration. Pros’ have the mindset to consistently show up, day after day and fall in love with the boredom and monotony of sticking to their schedules. Additionally, they complete the tasks that produce their best work and takes them closer to their goals no matter what. 

Third, Tim Ferris said on his 4-Hr Work Week blog that “Practicing key habits when we don’t want to is the most key habit to all.” This reinforces this idea of being a “Pro” by having the mindset to show up consistently and completing the work.

There will be days when you do not want to complete a key habit or activity, but to be a “Pro” just SHOW UP! Have the mindset to fall in love with the boredom, stick to your schedule, and then complete the tasks that move your forward.

Seinfeld Strategy: Jerry Seinfeld is considered one of the most popular, success, and wealthy comedians of all time. That is when Brad Issac, a young comedian, had the opportunity to perform at an event with Jerry and asked him backstage how he could be a better comic. This is what Jerry responded:

He said the way to be a better comic was to create better jokes and the way to create better jokes was to write every day.He told me to get a big wall calendar that has a whole year on one page and hang it on a prominent wall. The next step was to get a big red magic marker. He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day. “After a few days you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job is to not break the chain.”

Jerry never mentioned anything about results or motivation, but the key was not to “Break the Chain.” This is the key point of the strategy and will allow you to overcome procrastination and consistently produce quality work. All you have to do is choose a meaningful tasks that moves you closer to your goals, while also not being too overwhelming to complete on a daily basis. Then focus on not “Breaking the Chain” and being able to add a big X everyday. Additionally, there is another benefit of making your progress visible, which can provide that little push to complete your weekly tasks.

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): Below are my reflections for the W43. 

What went well?

W43 was one of the most challenging weeks to complete, even after all the strategies that I learned and applied to overcome procrastination and other everyday challenges. It took multiple Implementation Intentions and asking myself what a "Pro" would do in similar situations. The key is that it was completed and the streak of completing 43 straight weekly tasks is still in tact. 

Like I said above, it took my me until lat Sunday night to complete everything, as I am in the third week of traveling, living out of suitcases, and dealing with the daily challenges of taking care of both my wife and 16 month old son. 

My wife and I have learned that traveling with babies/infants/toddlers is no joke! I want to thank her so much as she has helped me out so much in these last three weeks. The fact that I completed my task this week is in huge part due to her efforts.

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

I am not sure where I heard this quote during my Leap Year process, but something that I have to keep reminding myself is to "Trust that I will figure it out." 

There will always be a level of uncertainty in life and you will not have all the answers right away, but that is ok. Instead of worrying about every outcome that could happen, trust that it will work itself out. 

I have learnt that there is always a level of uncertainty traveling with a 16 month old...will he sleep tomorrow on the plane, what foods should we feed him, and will he have a tantrum on the plane...are but a few of the thoughts running through my mind. Although incessant worrying comes with being a first time parent, I need to understand that everything will work out. Just breathe, trust, and then have a bias towards action to figure out what to do next in any given situation. 

What is something to avoid next week?

Trust that it will work out!

WEEK 42: CLARITY COMES WITH ACTION

WT = Waiting Time. DT = Development Time.

PLANNING (task, scheduling, and WT = DT):  I plan to write my Leap Year W13 post into the site Medium on Wednesday at 2 PM at my sister in laws house in Colorado Springs. 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 cook decent food. I remember the days when burned, charred, and seasoned-less fair was the norm, but thankful that people now want to come when I invite them to dinners rather than declining. 

EXECUTION (strategies used):  W42 in the books and the task was completed 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, Got 2-minutes, and 3-Buckets system for writing strategies this week, as I am still traveling visiting family and finding small pockets of time to complete the weekly task. 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 or because it is not perfect...

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! 

Fear...I CAN'T because it is not perfect...

3-Bucket System: I learned the 3-Bucket system from Jeff Goins who breaks up the process of writing into three easy steps. First, create a place (physical or digital) where you can collect ideas. Second, schedule a time to draft the first version without the pressure of making edits. Third, edit your draft after you have taken time away from it. This process makes writing much easier and I find myself producing better writing in a shorter amount of time.

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): I am now 10 weeks  from the completion of my Leap Year process and I have to pinch myself in order to realize where I am today. I really had no idea if I could finish this process and where it would take me in W1, but am so grateful that I have stuck with it and showed up every week to complete the weekly task. 40,000 words written, multiple strategies and other tools to overcome procrastination learnt, and identifying a purpose to guide my actions are but a few of the many things that I have gained through this process. The crazy thing is that I have roughly two and a half months left to learn, modify, and gain more tools in order to help you with your Leap Year. Additionally, I will also finish my first manuscript of the book. 

I read a quote this week that really resonated with me from the site Medium from Jeff Goins. This quote encapsulates one of the most important things I have learned through my Leap Year process and actually has lead me to the formation of a new strategy called ACT. I have written in past posts that I can accredit becoming a better writer in thanks to Jeff, as I learned the 3-buckets system strategy for writing from him (mentioned above). He offered another great piece of advice. Jeff wrote:

"Clarity comes with action"

At times, I have found myself asking myself "Now, what?" many times during my Leap Year process. I would get to a certain point where either I thought it would work out a different way or something else would have happened to let me know what to do next. However, there were times when I would be stumped and had no idea what to do next. 

I have learned through my Leap Year that we all have two choices in these situations. One, we can quit, as we are not sure of what to do next. Or two, we can take action. For example, in W35 I had about 30,000 words in the book but did not have a theme that tied it all together. This sense of not knowing made me question myself daily and I had to decide whether to stop and say "Hey, you tried at least" or "Well I am not sure what happens next, but I am going to keep writing and trust I will figure it out." 

This idea of taking action in times of uncertainty is also validated by Dane Maxwell, the founder of The Foundation and self-made millionaire. He says "...in any situation, have a bias towards action." You might not know exactly what to do, but always land on the side to take action, however small it might be.  

Tony Robbins has said that "The quality of your life is in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can comfortably deal with." There will always be a level of uncertainty in whatever you do, so embrace it, and move past it by taking action.  

Additionally, Confucius said that "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Even if you do not know all the steps to take, take the first step. This will lead to the next one, and then the next one after that. 

Lastly, know that you will never progress if you take no action. You do not need to know everything in order to start, the key is to just start!

What went well?

I was able to use Implementation Intentions, Got 2-minutes, and the 3-Buckets system of writing strategies to complete the weekly task in face of heavy everyday challenges. Traveling, not being in our home, visiting with family, cooking various meals, all on top of planning out what my son will eat, when he will eat, and planning for the next leg of our trip...the list goes on. 

In the past, these daily obstacles would have overwhelmed me and left me frustrated because I was not able to get to the meaningful tasks that I wanted to do. However, today, I have the gained the strategies and tools to fulfill my duties as a husband, father, and... and still make time to complete the weekly tasks for my Leap Year. 

My hope is that the strategies and insights that I share can help you with pursuing, discovering, and achieving your dreams in the face of everyday challenges as well. 

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

Be present. Often times I find myself planning the next thing to do, and miss out on all the small incredible moments of the day. Ferris Buelher coined it perfectly when he said "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around for a while, you could miss it."

I need to make it a point to enjoy this time with family and friends and really soak in these precious moments!

What is something to avoid next week?

Planning incessantly and taking myself away from the present moment.

Thanks for tuning in and see you in W43.