Tag: habit

Effort

Posted on by philipdodson

We are told that there is a direct link between effort and outcomes.

Generally, we believe that more effort equals a better result.

This is only true if what we are putting effort into has a meaningful purpose for us.

We sometimes can put a lot of effort into something because we think that we are doing the right thing, often without much thought and out of habit. Or someone else dictates that we need to make more of an effort with something, often something that is important to them and not us.

Being obliged to make an effort works in the short-term, however, beyond that, there is always resistance, resentment and worsening outcomes.

Perhaps better to focus on what is the right thing for us and then put the dedication in.

The closer we get to do the things we love, then it is rarely an effort, more of a passion that you can not be taken away from easily. We then hardly notice time and we are engrossed in something that is ‘labour of love’.

Looking at things differently

Posted on by philipdodson
‘Whirlwind’ by Philip Dodson

How often do you challenge yourself to look at things differently?

It is amazing what comes up when we stop and pause. Take a moment to reflect on the things that we do each day and ask simple things like why do I do that? Why do I do it that way? Is there an alternative way? Do I need to do it all?

This doesn’t suggest endless analysis, overthinking and not taking action.

It is suggesting that we all too often we do things out of habit, good or bad, without assessing its impact, good or bad.

Finally, it gives us a chance to reflect on what we are doing right instead of dwelling on what we are perhaps doing wrong.

Doing things differently opens up uncertain and exciting outcomes.