• Willpower Is Not Enough
  
• Key Points
  
• Getting Things Done Method
  
• Pomodoro Technique
  
• Jerry Seinfeld Chain Method
  
• Useful Links
  

Willpower is not enough

The Transactional Analysis theory of psychology tells us that the reason we are unable to act with the discipline required to achieve our goals is that we have multiple ego-states that pull us in different directions.

Perhaps at a certain time, in a certain mood, you are fully committed to achieving your goal. In a different mood, perhaps merely minutes later, you are not committed and fall back into bad behavior.

If you've ever dieted then binged, worked hard then self-sabotaged or been frustrated with your inconsistent efforts you have seen for yourself that willpower and determination are necessary but not sufficient.

Well if willpower and determination aren't enough what is the missing piece ?

You must add practical support structures in your life that will make it easier for your to do the right thing and harder for you to do the wrong thing.

The Jerry Seinfeld "Don't break the Chain" method

Jerry Seinfeld (the comedian) is just one example of someone understanding the power of daily routine.

He was asked how he became a successful comic and answered that the key to success for him was having good jokes, and the key to having good jokes was simply writing new jokes every day.

He implemented a daily to do list approach. Marking down each day whether he had spent time coming up with new jokes that day or not. He focused on the simple mission of making sure he could give himself a success tick every day.

Useful Links

• Lifehacker - Tips and downloads for getting things done
• Successvibe Forum - Success and Motivation Forum
• Uncommonforum - Psychology and Self Help Forum
• The Happiness Project - Chronicles of a years adventure into happiness
• Dumb Little Man - Tips for saving time and money

Key Points - Motivation

• Willpower is not enough.
• Your habits are your destiny.
• Get some heroes.
• Write down your goals with deadlines.
• Work out what motivates your personally.
• Expect setbacks and expect to keep going.
• You cannot destroy a bad habit, you must replace it with a good habit.

Key Points - Daily Checklists

• Start today.
• Start Small, 3 or less habits.
• Fill out your checklist at the same time each day.
• Ignore failures, reward success.

Getting Things Done

One methodology that can help you get things done is actually called Getting Things Done(GTD)

One main theme of the FTD method is to record the tasks you need to get done so that you can expunge them from your mind. Leaving yourself free to focus on performing the task at hand.

Another emphasis in the system, created by David Allen, is on preparing all the required information and tool required to complete a task before the task itself is attempted.

Essentially GTD is about clearing the mental clutter than can hamper your though process when you are trying to complete a task.

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique (the name comes from the Italian word for tomato) is an organizational and time management system than splits all tasks into short, usually 25 minute chunks.

After working on a task for 25 minutes a short break is taken before work is resumed.

It's thought that regular short breaks allow the mind to settle and operate with higher effectiveness when working.

Well, what are you waiting for ?

There is an old saying about saving money, the most important thing is that you do it early and do it often.

A similar thing could be said about using a daily to do list and taking control of your habits. Don't worry too much about how you are going to record your progress, don't even worry too much about what habits you are going to be recording. Pick one and get started today!

HabmitMix provides a free account so you can get started recording your habits on a daily checklist.