Starting vs. finishing, and the value of trying differently
It has to be destiny or maybe the stars are aligned in my direction. I thought of sharing some of James Clear’s brilliant wisdom and the first weekly mail I picked was on getting started.
Today’s mail is on starting and reaching the finish line, depending on the time, where and how we are placed at that moment.
"You're more likely to unlock a big leap in performance by trying differently than by trying harder. You might be able to work 10% harder, but a different approach might work 10x better. Remain focused on the core problem but explore a new line of attack. Persistence is not just about effort, but also strategy. Don't merely try harder, try differently."
I had never thought of this! I lose my momentum and that is the end of all my hard work, resolve, will power. The improvement is in being able to extend the momentum period, if it was a week, it has now graduated to 3 months and 6 months in some cases. But the result remains the same as I never reach the finish line. Be it writing, maintaining the blog, practicing therapy, yoga or even learning to drive. I have a plethora of unfinished dreams and aspirations. This time I will try a new line of attack and cross the finish line.
"First or last?
Sometimes the first move is the most important. The first set in the gym. Now you're working out. The first sentence. Now you're writing. The first call. Now you're in the game.
Other times, the last move is the most important. The last brick. Now the building is built. The last line of code. Now the app works. The last round of revisions. Now you can ship it.
What do you need to focus on right now? First or last? Do you need to start or finish?"
I have crossed the starting line many times already. This time, I want to cross the finish line, and that’s where my focus is.
Comments