Ever heard about Parkinson's Law?

It states that we allocate the work we need to do based on the time we have to complete it.

• Apple pushed off the launch of their HomePod because they needed “a little more time” to refine it.
• Windows continuously delayed an anticipated feature for Windows 10, before quietly axing it altogether.
• Even construction of the Sydney Opera House was only supposed to take four years. It ended up taking 14.

But this also means that if we give ourselves three days, it will take us three days. That’s the key.

Why does this happen? Because humans are extraordinarily resourceful.

That’s one small tip for your big goals.

Here are more.

Write Down Your Next Three Steps.

Regardless of how dark it is outside, I can navigate through it by only seeing the three meters illuminated by my headlights. That’s absolutely insane when you think about it.

It’s a good metaphor, too.

The full picture will distract you, so don’t look at it. Just look three meters forward.

Take A Break. Maybe Two. Maybe Three.

You can be extremely busy and feel like you have accomplished nothing.

Some people call this monkey mind, which is a fun way to define when our mind stays busy to avoid feeling.

Maybe it’s the feeling of productivity. Maybe it’s the feeling of worth. Maybe it’s avoiding a feeling completely detached from our actions.

Mark 6:31… “Crowds of people were coming and going so that Jesus and his followers did not even have time to eat. He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves, and we will go to a lonely place to get some rest'” (NCV)

Sprint (no, I don’t mean run) More Often.

Instead of working in one long, dull sequence of events, practice short sprints of work.

I often do this in my writing: I set a 15-25 minute timer and go ham for a short sprint. After I go for a short walk.

If it doesn’t make things more fun it will at least break up the monotony, and I can guarantee that will energize you toward your goals.

Be More Specific With What You Want.

If you don’t know what you want, then you’ll never accomplish it.

Take exercise, for example.

What is your goal?

• Lose weight? How much? By what time?
• Run faster? By what standard?
• Be healthy? In what way (mind, body, longevity)?
• Enjoy it? Personal or social?

It’s not about having every answer before you begin. That’s called perfectionism.

You do want to know what you are aiming for, so you can adjust your actions and celebrate when you cross the finish line.

Get Over Your Failure By Failing Forward.

Your failures are never bad.

• They suck. Yes.
• They are painful. Yes.
• They are embarrassing. Yes.
• They are a waste. No.

I call it failing forward: using the momentum of your failures to succeed. Failing forward is the process of learning, adapting, adjusting, and proceeding.

I’m not seeing a downside here.

Have Compassion On The One Who Needs It The Most.

This is the process of being nice to yourself.

You are the most vile, berating, and belittling person to yourself. Imagine talking to your friend about how you talk to yourself.

Learning to be nice is where performance starts.

Plus, God thinks of you a lot better than that. Isaiah 43:4 says, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”

The Most Important Thing To Remember Is. . .

choose enjoyment.

Enjoyment is a conscious choice.