Someone recently asked me how do I stay consistent.
I thought about this and two things came immediately:
“Wow, I have a consistent external persona”
I wished I was as consistent as this person thinks of me. Consistency is absent in my DNA lol.
Truth be told, I wouldn’t consider myself someone that’s consistent as what I wished I was (or maybe I just have unrealistic expectations to consistency). I struggle with consistency too.
I find ways to meet deadlines, in my own way.
Systems, Goals, Focus, Concentration & Short Bursts of Inspiration
The internet has lots of talks on creating systems, not goals.
I know I have a system that runs like this: in a week x amount is required.
And by hook or by crook, I must abide by it.
My struggle has always been, “when do I do x?”.
As much as I include it at a specific time in my calendar, the task gets shifted (ALL THE TIME!), but I would still get it done.
It’s funny. This is the reason why I had a rebellious streak against traditional institutions. I don’t want to be told of by when I should be done with a task.
I know I’ll do it. But if someone tries to tell me, every so often, that I need to do it by x day, .. I’m not gonna do it. Maybe it’s my rebellious response to the autonomy nature I’m so inclined to.
Okay here’s more realistic. I will do it, but I’ll be bitter. And I don’t like that feeling.
But if I tell myself I need to do it by x day, I’ll do it, sometimes lol.
Because I know my style, and the unpredictable nature of the work I engage in, I know that no matter how much I plan, better inspirations will come, and sometimes that newer short bursts of inspiration are better and will take over the “predetermined” calendar task because… “the world cup is happening” & I can’t be talking about penguins!
So, if you’re like me, try (1) being rigid with your system (that x amount is needed by x day), but also (2) be flexible with the context (x can be f or g and not only x).
Another form of Short Bursts of Inspiration
According to this, people of my personality type tend to focus on great focus and concentration when fully engaged (ma sha Allah as Muslims say). This is also what Andrew Huberman preaches on — ultimate focus.
Once the light bulb moment goes off in my brain, even if I’m doing my morning walk, I get to work then and there. No time to waste. I type, on my notes, or my calendar and reminder. And you bet I would send that email.
Because I don’t want to forget.
I would work non-stop once inspiration is there. I wouldn’t leave the leftover crumbs.
There’s a window opportunity to inspiration and once it’s gone, bye bye.
So let’s say I’m writing about Spain (which I was), then my focus would be 200% and beyond for Spain. I get burnt out a lot, and this can be something that’s not sustainable for many people.
But that 200% can spread evenly throughout two weeks. And by then I’d recover and have another next 200%.
This process is not for those who prefers predictability. Tread carefully.
I hope this makes sense.
Clearly, as you can tell, I’m no organization or habit expert.
How do you spread your calendar evenly and approach your deadlines? Last minute? In sustained throughout the week efforts?
Curious to know, do reply to this email, and it will be just between us.
F