Here it is: If we're not getting as much done as we would otherwise like, our knee-jerk reaction that we all have is to accuse ourselves of not trying hard enough, not pushing ourselves enough. In reality though, we probably are pushing ourselves enough. We know this because if we push even harder, something else tends to break - we'll get overtired, over-exhausted, succumb to some addiction or other.
Therefore, just for a moment, let's assume that you ARE trying hard enough, that your head IS in the game, that you DO want it enough. This is not where you'll find the problem.
Instead, let's pivot our focus to the amount of friction in your life.
Here are some forms of friction that sap us of our energy and strength. This is not an exhaustive list, just enough to get you going:
Dealing with a person every day who gives you drama and trouble.
You don't feel secure in your job, like you could get fired at any moment.
You're not getting enough sleep.
Avoiding high-priority work because you don't know exactly how to do it.
You'll get criticized if you ask for help, and you really don't like being criticized.
There are tasks that you have to do that you hate doing.
In all of these examples you're running up against a wall of "ugh! not this again!" and you have to push through. This wears you down. You could stop now and think creatively about what it would take to resolve even just one piece of friction and it would improve everything, even if just a little.
But what excellent use of your time it would be! If you focus on removing or resolving friction, then over time your day just gets smoother and more pleasant and there will be more energy for focus and getting your shit done.
Of course, there's much to be said about handling any of these 6 items, to say nothing of other sources of friction in our lives. Are any one of these a major sticking point for you? Let me know and I'll write out something here to help you bring it to a close.
Have a great week!
Brent
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