In the face of challenge, we often avoid work—particularly work that challenges us. This might be a result of preparedness, and it may simply be procrastination. In either instance, solving it isn’t a thinking problem. It’s a doing problem. On the very real importance of action.
Doing The Work We Were Meant To Do
We want to do good work. We aspire to do amazing, transcendent work. That doesn’t happen very often. When it does happen, it is very good indeed. What is critical is recognizing what allows us to actually do it.
Constructive Feedback & Choosing To Be Better
Feedback and criticism are generally seen as negative. We don’t like it, we get defensive and we very often resist it. That deflection is often our brains looking for the easy way out. And it’s arguably keeping us from doing our best work.
Either You Can Or You Can’t
There is a lot written about getting work done. And a lot more about procrastination. When it comes to results, though, our ability to be successful depends largely on our perception of the situation.
Focus & Follow-Through
Know what you want. And go do it. These are the essential elements of success. There’s a very careful balance to walk here between doing for the sake of doing, and taking action because it will move us forward. And there is a simple test to know which is which.
On Working Out Loud
Working out loud is not something we normally think of doing. In fact, we’re taught to do the opposite. Knowledge work is often quiet, solitary and independent. But working out loud—and objectively and meaningfully sharing status—can have some important and valuable benefits.