Episode Summary
In this episode, Niamh Moynihan dives into the challenges and practical strategies for achieving consistency at work. While consistency is a highly valued trait, it's easier said than done—especially when it comes to the tasks we tend to avoid, the "ugly work." This episode explores how to simplify consistency, focus on what matters, and persist even when obstacles arise.
Key Points Discussed
Consistency Isn’t Easy:
- Everyone values consistency, but it’s hardest to maintain for tasks that are boring, tedious, or stressful (the "ugly work").
- These tasks, though challenging, are often the cornerstone of success in your role.
Start by Choosing Your Focus:
- You can’t be consistent in everything. Work is dynamic, and priorities shift.
- Use the Inverted Pyramid Framework:
- Top: What you could do.
- Middle: What you should do.
- Base: What you must do. These are the tasks that drive your key outcomes.
Understand the Impact of Your Work:
- Assess the value of each task:
- Does it help you reach your goals?
- Is the frequency of the task aligned with its impact?
- Focus on essential actions over excessive effort.
Create a Minimum Viable Plan (MVP):
- Borrowing from product design, define the simplest steps needed to complete a task consistently.
- Limit steps to 3–5 to keep the task manageable and avoid procrastination.
Seek Support When Needed:
- Build accountability or seek encouragement to maintain consistency.
- Ask yourself:
- Who can I ask for help?
- Where can I find support?
What to Do When You Fall Short:
- Persistence is key to consistency. If you have a bad week, get back on track the next.
- Be honest about tasks you’re avoiding:
- Does the task really need to be done?
- Are you the right person to do it, or can it be delegated?
- Is there an alternative approach to achieve the same outcome?
The Power of Just Starting:
- Commit to working on a challenging task for just two minutes.
- Getting started often builds momentum.
Practical Tips from the Episode:
- Identify Your “Must-Dos”: Focus on tasks that create the greatest impact and align with your goals.
- Simplify Your Approach: Use an MVP strategy to break tasks into small, essential steps.
- Leverage Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate where necessary.
- Persist and Reassess: If you fall off track, pick yourself up and try again. Evaluate if there’s a better way to tackle recurring tasks.
- Commit to Action: Use the two-minute rule to overcome procrastination and gain momentum.
Until next time, stay well and have a better workday!
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