In the past few months of working with people striving to become intentionally productive, I've noticed a common struggle: many find it challenging to show up every day for the person they aspire to be.
Our lives are an accumulation of all the things we spend our days doing. While we may not have total control over how our entire days are spent, especially as students or employees, we can choose to take control of our time and actions.
A little over a year ago, I decided to tweak my morning routine, and it has significantly changed my life. At the time, I didn't realize I was harnessing the power of non-negotiables. I simply decided to do certain things no matter what, with no alternatives on the table.
Non-negotiables are those tasks you commit to doing every day (or week). As the name implies, they are non-negotiable. This means that even if the world were ending, you would still do these things.
Non-negotiables are a sure way to start taking control of your life, ensuring that you can prioritize what truly matters to you, even when other things threaten to crowd them out. It is one of the most effective ways to ensure you’re always making progress.
How to Decide What to Make a Non-Negotiable
I have four categories:
Spiritual Growth: This is important for me, and I like to start my day with activities that nurture my spiritual side.
Physical Health: This involves formal movement, especially now that we can spend entire days without any physical activity. Investing in your physical health as a young person has a very high return on investment.
Mental Health and Accountability: I make it a habit to journal, keeping myself accountable and in tune with what is on my mind. I also read fiction because it allows my imagination to travel and puts me in worlds I wouldn't otherwise experience. For you, it could be something else entirely. I love to read, so this is an escape for me. Additionally, I’ve started reading non-fiction that targets problems I have or skills I want to build.
Upskilling: Committing to getting better at whatever craft you have or are developing is crucial. This isn’t far-fetched; there are tons of free courses or YouTube videos available. You just need to pick one or two to focus on at a time.
When it comes to being productive, there are no rules, only best practices. You can choose whatever you want to make your non-negotiables.
How to Stick to Your Non-Negotiables
Why do you show up for classes every day? Why do you go to work every day? Even better, why do you brush your teeth every day? Because your mind knows these tasks are non-negotiable. You have no options.
That is the exact same mindset you need to adopt for your non-negotiables.
You struggle with consistency because you feel like you have a choice. Making these tasks non-negotiable means giving yourself no room to decide otherwise. There are no alternatives. PERIOD!
First, deal with your mind and condition it. Then, move on to the next steps.
Setting Goals and Breaking Them Down
What is your goal? What are you out to achieve? Once that is settled, break this down into small steps.
For instance, if you want to read 12 books before the year ends, decide on the minimum number of pages you can realistically read every day.
Your non-negotiables should be doable every day. Be realistic but don’t undermine yourself.
As Ashley Richmond says, “There’s no point in creating a big list of difficult tasks that you’re only going to be able to complete once a week.”
Staying Consistent
Now you are all set up. The last thing I’d like to say is don’t let missed streaks stop you from continuing. If you miss one day, make sure you don’t miss another. Create a consistency calendar for your non-negotiables and put an X for each day.
Make it easy for yourself.
Till next time,
Oigoga
Media Recommendations
I watched this video on struggling to get things done. You should totally watch it.
I also watched this video from the Academy of Ideas on why comfort is crippling you.
I picked up Sally Rooney’s Conversation With Friends again and I think I am slow because I have no idea what is going to happen next. It is an interesting book but in a slow kind of way. You know that cool quiet friend that has the best jokes? Yeah, like that.