Remembering

Last week, we completed our last training for the winter season and, on the flight across the country, I began re-reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. Not too far into the book, it occurred to me how much I remembered from when I read it last. At one level, I was pleased at my retention. But it didn’t last very long.

The more I read, it occurred to me that, even though I remembered what he wrote, I wasn’t practicing nearly enough what I knew. There are some real gems that would benefit me, if only I  would implement them into my disciplines and habits. It reminded me that it’s not what you know, but what you do, that makes the difference.

Implementing

So, I ask you—are you doing anything differently since the beginning of this year? Specifically, how are you managing your motivation? Because if you don’t keep yourself motivated, your life and work sag into not much. These Monday Messages are written to nudge you to keep your motivation alive.

In one Monday Message, you were encouraged to establish your motivation energy by connecting your work to your natural drivers. I mentioned five drivers that are common to professionals. From that Message, I gave you a number of techniques and tips that the research supports. Are you doing them?

• Have you tried the cognitive shift from “have to” to “get to?”
• Do you break your large projects into smaller chunks with their own due dates?
• Do you use a daily Task List of 3-5 activities that you will complete before the day is over?

In another Message, I shared with you how to maintain your motivation by fitting your work around your life, instead of trying to squeeze your life into your work schedule.

• Did you get your 2023 calendar out and mark off the days or weeks you will be out? You know your busy seasons and when you are able to get away. Some of those times will be hard and fast, others will be more flexible.
• Have you considered what you say yes to? Before you say yes to anything, be aware of the expectations that come with it. Each yes has a time requirement, a quality requirement and a deadline. You have a number of yeses already planned and scheduled. What will be the impact of another yes?

In the past few weeks, you’ve read about all of these ideas. In fact, you may even remember reading them. But did you put any of them into action? Or are you collecting information like I did, so you can say, “Yes, I know about that.”?

Your better self requires a continual upgrade in your practices. What will you begin doing differently this week that you already know, but haven’t gotten around to implementing? One thing. Just one. And do it.