That's Interesting! Oh, Really?

I started reading “Do It Tomorrow and Other Secrets of Time Management” and one idea stopped me in my tracks: commitment versus interest.

?Was Nelson Mandela interested in a peaceful transition in South Africa or committed to it?

?From the book: You wouldn’t for instance expect anyone to say:?

• ‘Beethoven was interested in music.’?
• ‘Shakespeare was interested in writing plays.’?
• ‘David Beckham is interested in football.’

I realised how I allowed myself, over the years, to become sidetracked by "interesting" things that took my eye off the ball of what I was truly committed to.?

I am now re-visiting Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. A core idea from that book for me: I can make one metre progress with one hundred things, or I can make a hundred metres of progress with one thing.

?So, I am simplifying my life and our business to helping individuals and teams use Outlook and Teams to dramatically improve their productivity. ?That's it.

?It's quite a thing - and here's my challenge to you: Write down everything you're interested in doing, like losing weight, getting fit, writing a book, changing jobs, getting a qualification, or running your own business. ?Now cross off the items you can't see yourself fully committing to.

?For the remaining items, ask (from the book):?

• What would I need to start doing to commit myself fully??
• What would I need to stop doing to commit myself fully??
• Am I prepared to pay the price necessary for full commitment?

?Congratulations! ?You have just put the source of your To-Do list on a diet. ?Watch as your list shrinks down to the essentials.?

?Enjoy the essence of essentialism! Let me know how it works for you.?

Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest. — Leo Babauta

#personalproductivity

#gerritcloete

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