Indiscriminate action is laziness.
Tim Ferriss said that, sort of, and it hit me hard. I used to navigate my tasks like a squirrel in traffic, darting from one thing to another without thought. Whatever gives me the hardest dopamine hit, gets worked on. But that's wrong.
Indiscriminate action means doing tasks without purpose or priority. It's like watering a garden by spraying water everywhere, hoping something will grow. Real productivity comes from focused effort, not random busyness. Tony Robbins also nailed it when he said, "Most people fail in life because they major in minor things." Focusing on trivial tasks leads nowhere.
Taking focused action requires mental effort. You need to analyze tasks, plan thoughtful and prioritze, and make strategic decisions about time and resources. Indiscriminate action often avoids this discomfort. It’s easier to do lots of small, unimportant tasks than to face a few big, challenging ones. This avoidance can feel like laziness because it dodges deeper thinking and responsibility.
To change this, I recently started doing monthly reviews and planning sessions. Here's how I'm trying to make it work:
- Set Clear Goals: I write down what I want to achieve.
- Prioritize Tasks: I pick tasks that move me closer to my goals and focus on those first.
- Plan My Month: I break down big goals into smaller tasks and schedule them.
This approach helps me give my actions purpose. I feel less overwhelmed and more directed. I still stumble and fall into old habits, but I’m getting better.
Tim Ferriss's words pushed me to rethink my strategy. I stopped mistaking busyness for productivity. Now, I aim for focused, meaningful work. It's a journey, but with clear goals and priorities, I'm starting to find my way.
Try it for yourself. Do a monthly review. Set goals. Prioritize. Plan. See if focused action helps you too.
Does that resonate or am I the only one? Let me know on the Twitters. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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