On January 1 I said I was going to use the Seinfeld method to help me meet my goals, and so far I’ve been successful. My primary goal was to write at least 850 words each day, and I also wanted to wake up at 6 AM every day in January, including Saturdays and Sundays.
Done and done.
I built both of these goals into a morning routine (just add shower and meditation) which has really helped keep me going. Now well into February I’ve taken just four days off from the 6 AM rule, and I’m still trucking with writing at least 850 words daily, mostly for my dissertation.
How to
Last month I mentioned the online web-app Don’t Break the Chain and how it might be helpful, but honestly I didn’t return to the site after signing up. Instead I drew a full-year calendar on construction paper and hung it above my desk. I mark off all my successful days with a big fat red marker.
So far it’s provided great motivation and I have yet to break the chain. I also like how this calendar gives me a compact view of the year and a better sense of how much time I have left to complete my projects.
Most importantly, it’s out in the open so every one else can see it too.
8 comments ↓
Most impressive! I’ve been trying to get back into the habit of getting up at 5 every morning, and I’ve not been doing very well… The secret for me is to go to bed early, and I’ve been spectacularly failing at it.
Keep up the great work!
congratulations! impressive and motivating indeed!
Congratulations! I have a feeling the Seinfeld thing wouldn’t work for me. As soon as I missed a day, I would want to start making a pattern with the chain to keep it consistent:
xxxxoxxxoxxxoxxxo
So, I guess as long as I went long enough in the first stretch, it would still work.
Wow! Great work.
They are going to oust you from the Procrastinators club.
If they ever get around to having a meeting, that is.
Thanks everyone! Let me know if any of you give this a try.
I am currently trying out something inspired by what you’ve described. I will let you know how it works. Two days and counting so far.
That’s great, Mark. Good luck!
Hi,
If you are looking for a software solution to manage these types of checklists, take a look at Gtdagenda
It has a section dedicated to this, and also you can set Goals, projects, tasks, schedules and a calendar. A complete GTD tool.
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