A useful and highly practical structure that keeps me productive during uncertainty is ACTION + QUALITY. Pick one action I know is necessary and one quality to do it with. I don’t worry about strategy, order, or plans. I go basic and practical.
If I’m unsure how to improve a relationship I will listen with empathy.
If I’m unsure how to get in shape I will move with speed or eat with moderation.
The action is yes or no, do or don’t. (Am I listening? Am I moving? Am I eating?) It’s black and white. The quality is how I do it, just one intentional characteristic I give the action. (Empathy, speed, moderation) It's a subjective preference or principle.
As you get comfortable using this technique, excuses vanish and options are suddenly everywhere. You can start stringing sequences together. For example, let’s assume you want to get better at something that’s difficult for you and you’re still not sure how to go about it.
You could start today with this simple sequence:
- Study with focus.
- Train with intensity.
- Perform with confidence.
- Recover with purpose.
Or alternatively you could go with:
- Try with excitement.
- Test with accountability.
- Reflect with honesty.
ACTION + QUALITY. I’m on a mission to steal all your excuses.
Everything is training for something. Do the work.
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