Tips On Preparing For Any Activity That I Learned Quite Recently
In everything that we do, it seems as if preparing for it has remained the most complicated thing to accomplish. Recently, I learned quite a few tips from James Clear’s Atomic Habits. The book allows its readers to design their habits rather than directing them. Other than that, it also gave me an idea of how I should start any activity.
Tips On Preparing For Any Activity That I’ve Learned From James Clear’s Atomic Habits
Make it obvious.
The first thing you have to do in any future activity is to make it obvious. Sure, it seems cliche. However, if you can, you should list everything that you need. There may be things that you will fail to recall when you are already in action. For instance, I always list the things I need before packing for a trip. This helps me clarify what I need to bring to avoid excess baggage.
Preparing my desk for an all-nighter can become another example of this. On my desk, I put my laptop, a bunch of printed materials, and a coffee of my choice. Aside from having it already prepared, it also makes things more obvious to my eyes.
Once you start listing and bringing out the things that you need, your brain will wire itself with your vision. Then, it will become easier to function those two together. Since then, preparing has become a quick walk in the park for me.
Be creative and make it attractive.
Create a mood board! This will you feel more motivated to prepare. According to the book, it is the anticipation of the reward, not the fulfillment of it that gets us to take action.
Just like going to a place you have never been before. We prepare because we look forward to arriving there and seeing the real deal. Of course, prior to traveling there, you will need to research must-visit spots, their delicacies, and their culture.
Aside from creating a mood board, you can also play music related to an activity while preparing. As much as possible try to capture the feeling of being there.
Make it easy.
Starting to prepare for an activity feels demanding, especially when you don’t feel like it. For instance, you aim to go to the gym every day. However, as time passes, you feel a little lazy about it. Still, you promised yourself that even when boredom kicks in, you’re just going to have to go. This is where the idea of preparing comes in.
The night before the activity, get yourself to move and take out your gym clothes. Don’t forget to prepare your gym bag if you usually bring one. This will make it easier for you, especially when you don’t feel like it. Preparing a day before just makes it easier.
Satisfy yourself.
Now that we have made it obvious, made it attractive, and made it easy, how do we satisfy ourselves in preparing for an activity? Track your progress. In the book, Clear mentioned, “One of the most satisfying feelings is the feeling of making progress.”
Look back at the list you made while preparing. One by one, cross out the things that you have accomplished. For example, cross out ‘bringing out gym clothes.’ Make every activity satisfying. Even preparing for one can be pleasurable!
In all the things that we do, preparing is crucial.
It gives us what we need; clarity, structure, and comfort. However, sometimes we tend to overlook the importance of preparing. Leading us into a more complicated situation. Still, there is no harm in being extemporaneous if you want to. That’s cool! But, there are people out there who need help to get things started.
So, think about when is your next activity and make it obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying.
