Chapter Fifteen: Hard Things First

~Yaaaayy! We made it half way through this blog!~

Hard tasks demands more effort and concentration. Procrastination kicks in when you're dealing with hard stuff, usually because it makes you feel uneasy, scared to fail, or just not motivated. But if you face those tasks head-on, it can really boost your confidence and drive. When you prioritize the hard stuff, you not only amp up your motivation but also prove you can handle anything that comes your way. It might be tough to dive into big challenges first thing in the morning, but sticking with it and staying disciplined helps you build up important skills and a strong mindset.

One of the golden rules that I particularly value is known as The Two Minute Rule. This principle originates from David Allen's renowned workflow management system called Getting Things Done (GTD). In essence, The Two Minute Rule dictates that any task that can be accomplished in two minutes or less should be promptly addressed instead of being deferred or scheduled for later.

Another excellent guideline is the Pareto Principle, or 80/20 Principle, which was developed in 1896 by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. It states that 80% of your outcomes are produced by 20% of your effort. I strongly advise everyone to incorporate this principle into their daily life as there are lots of excellent literature available on it. The effects of applying this to everyday activities, your career, or embarking on a healthy journey are unlimited.

So, when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I make a detailed To-Do list to sort things out. I put the most important and toughest tasks at the top to make sure I get them done first. Doing this has really boosted how much I get done and how good I feel about it. It shows me how easy and effective it is to just get things done right away. Also, I get control of what goes on during my day.

Understand that not every challenging task can be completed in two minutes or less. Nevertheless, consider taking the initiative to write down the difficult tasks you have been avoiding. Once you have your list, make it a goal to address one item every morning. The brain only allows a limited amount of time before you lose the motivation and it leaves a negative impact your work, health, relationships, etc. The important things are usually the hardest – so do them first!

Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed the read and you or someone you know can relate. Please leave any respectful feedback. Have a blessed day!

Xoxo,