5 Habits for achieving Greatness

Dear colleagues!

Two weeks ago, I posted an article titled?The Path to Greatness.?This week, we build on that idea by focusing on some valuable habits we discussed in 2018, which will assist us in succeeding on our path to Greatness.

It is not always easy to stay motivated and focused on getting things done. However, our chances for success are dramatically improved when we consistently follow a program or structure designed to guide us in being productive and staying focused. Here are five habits which, if practised regularly, will most certainly enhance the process of getting things done:

1.???Think in terms of minutes

Your time is scarce and not to be wasted. It is easy to spend minutes or even hours on less important things like social media or YouTube videos. If we somehow knew exactly how much time we were granted to spend on this earth and could see the seconds ticking away, would we not be much more critical of how we spent it? Every person is given 24 hours every day. What you spend your precious 24 hours on influences how much you get done today, influencing where you will be tomorrow. Do not waste it!?

2.???Spend most of your time on MIT

Most?Important?Tasks. This may also be referred to as your Legacy Work. These are the tasks that, if completed successfully, will have the most significant impact on the position you hold professionally, or on the legacy you will leave behind – both in your professional and personal life. Do not allow your 24 hours to be consumed only by mediocre and repetitive tasks without intentionally spending time on the things that would have the most significant impact on your life and career.?

3.???Work from a calendar perspective

Most of us keep a “to-do” list with items carried over from one day to the next. From one week to the other. A better method of getting these items done may be to assign time slots to them in your calendar: Look at a task and decide how much time you will need to complete that task (be realistic). Find a place for the task in your calendar and work on that task with complete attention during the allotted?period, undertaking to complete it during this time. If it is not possible to achieve, assign another slot for it in your calendar. Repeat this process for all your tasks, and suddenly you may find your to-do list drastically shrinking.?

4.???Overcome procrastination

Beat your “evil” future self – the one who will look for excuses not to get up early for that training session or to not stick to your scheduled study time after work. Please do this by implementing preventative measures like setting your alarm clock and placing it on the other side of the room, forcing yourself to get up to switch it off. For that study session: Maybe pack your books and marking pens out neatly and get a favourite snack ready so your books look inviting and the stage is set for a good session before the time. These are only suggestions for specific tasks as an example, but the point is to get to know yourself better in understanding what it is (and when) you tend to procrastinate, and to implement preventative measures to overcome the procrastination.?

5.???There will always be more to do

Be intentional with your time – you only have 24 hours daily. Don’t waste it – time is too precious! There will always be new items in your inbox. You will always have new things to add to your to-do list. Don’t feel overwhelmed by it all – just stick to your schedule and work through them systematically. And don’t forget to make time for relaxation intentionally. We need to spend focused time with friends and family to keep relationships meaningful and happy. Physical training and exercise are essential to keep our bodies healthy and ready for daily tasks. We must also make time for spiritual activities such as praying and meditation to keep our spirit joyful. Do not neglect the “recharging” time!?

Remember: Motivation will find you while warming up in the gym for that training session. It will find you with your pen in hand in front of your books. Go to where motivation awaits you and get going. Time is on your side!?

Have a great week!

Henry