Every week I receive James Clear's 3-2-1 newsletter. In it he shares 3 of his own quotes, 2 quotes from others, and 1 powerful question. James Clear is a popular speaker and the author of Atomic Habits.
About a year ago I loved the 1 powerful question so much that I created this graphic and used it as a screensaver on my phone for awhile. Feel free to download it for yourself.
I love it for 3 reasons:
There are many tasks I procrastinate or avoid because I think they're going to take too long.
This question challenges me in a fun way to come up with a solution to what I'm seeing as an obstacle.
Often times the solutions take longer than 2 minutes, but in the meantime, I realize I was making the obstacles bigger than they really are/were in the first place.
Some ways I've used this idea..
I don't have time for a 30 minute workout, but I do have time for a 15 minute one. And that's better than zero minutes.
Setting the washer for a quick cycle.
Using AI or the Powerthesaurus app to help me express what I'm trying to say.
Evaluating my expectations and letting go of what isn't essential.
Filling out my election ballot in sections over a couple days.
Scheduling time to make a phone call I keep putting off.
Writing down items for my grocery list as I think of them or run out of them.
I have a full and shorter version of my make-up routines.
Clearing garden plants as production reduces.
Touching things once (I LOVE this one - pick something up, use it, put it back - Reduces clutter!)
I include this idea of considering 2-minute solutions in my Monday Motivation Framework. When you have a plan for overcoming obstacles, they don't stay obstacles for very long.
Your life is meant to be joyful and fulfilling. When you procrastinate or make things harder for yourself, that cuts into your ability to feel joy. When challenges arise beyond your control, approach them with courage and a sense of capability. If that feels impossible, give yourself time, compassion and outside help if needed.
A final quote from James Clear:
The little things can keep you stuck as well as propel you forward, it all depends on how you approach them.
Join me at 9:30am on October 28th for Monday Motivation and I'll give you a powerful way to approach your days, weeks and life!
Xo,
Meredith
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