5 Things: Issue 3
5 Things: Issue 3
Failing well, procrastination, resource optimization
A Reflection
This past week, I've felt challenged getting certain projects over the finish line. This observation made me reflect on my strengths and “growing edges” (or, areas of opportunity.)
I was reminded that I am a great starter of projects and initiatives and that finishing things has always taken more effort for me. This is true of my master's studies, completing a load of laundry by folding it and putting it away, starting projects for clients and seeing them through to the end, or starting new health-based initiatives for myself.
Is this tied to procrastination? Maybe. It certainly doesn't feel good to let tasks or projects fester, especially when it comes to things where people are counting on you. So, what is behind my motivation to procrastinate?
According to James Clear, procrastination is caused by our brain's tendency to value immediate rewards over long-term benefits.
Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing a task or set of tasks. So, whether you refer to it as procrastination or akrasia or something else, it is the force that prevents you from following through on what you set out to do.
And sometimes, it's not actually procrastination. As a knowledge worker, I get to tackle many new challenges that my clients come to me for help with.
While it's exciting and rewarding to dive into these projects, it can be mentally taxing. So, I notice my energy wane towards the end of a big, months-long project.
One thing I've found helpful to continue motivating me to see something through is remembering my "Why."
Why am I doing this task or project? And what's in it for me once I've crossed that finish line? How will it make my life easier, more pleasant, or more secure?
How will my project improve the lives of my clients and their organizations? What kind of impact will they be able to create in their communities when I complete my project?
This last week, I've spent some time reconnecting with my "Why" over a few client projects and deadlines. And I'm happier and more motivated for it.
One Piece of Business Advice
A Three-Step Guide to Learn from Failure
We will inevitably fail from time to time. That's when we learn the most. But not all failures are the same. According to Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School leadership professor, failing intelligently is critical to success. Here are Amy's three tips on how to fail intelligently and learn from it.
Your actions should aim at a goal, like improving your life, developing a new product, or offering a new service. Make sure you know exactly what you're working toward so you don't take a shot in the dark. You need to recognize a concrete opportunity to move forward to do that.
Do your homework on previous attempts. Are you repeating the same mistakes someone else has tried and failed at? Your attempts should be novel and well-informed, Edmondson says.
Make sure you are not overspending on your resources. "An intelligent failure is one that's not gigantic, it's only as big as it has to be," Edmondson says. At the end of the day, it is all about minimizing risks, she says. Figure out how your trial can be as cheap and as safe as you can make it.
Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience, and keep moving forward with renewed determination.
I’m excited to read her newest book, “The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well” in the next few months at an upcoming book club.
One Mastery Tip
I appreciate these five tips that Odessa "OJ" Jenkins shares about being a highly effective leader:
Hire well. Spare no expense to get the best people around you.
There is what you think you know, what you want to know, and the truth. Always make room for the truth.
Be more student than teacher. If you've hired well, your people will be diverse, will pour into you, and will always help you see several paths toward plan success.
Be consistent. There is strength in letting people around you know what to expect.
Invest in your mental and physical health. Confident, effective executive leaders are balanced, healthy, and strong. Addressing your mental and physical vulnerabilities will pay you spades during times of extreme success or failure.
Today's Quote
Our passions are ignited when we set out to advance a cause greater than ourselves.
One Resource
I've been using Asana for over five years and love it. It helps keep me organized and on track with all my client projects and deliverables. I also use it to keep track of my business's strategic goals, brainstorm and come up with new and interesting content, and manage my coaching clients' journeys. They have free and paid versions, but as a small business owner, I get by just fine on the free version.