The list thing doesn't really work for things that have a, don't have a definite endate. What we want to start doing is to stop measuring ourselves based on how many little cute boxes we check off and instead measure ourselves by a different metric. Count the input, not the output. Your success should be based on, did you work on your project for the allotted time without distraction? But what happens if life really is getting in the way? When we come back near will help helen balance these rules with the reality of being a busy lawyer and a busy parent.
There’s one thing that all of Helena’s personal projects have in common: they remain unfinished. The family photo album is empty, as is her mom’s recipe book. And the lavender garden is still unplanted. Helena is not lazy. In fact, she’s a busy lawyer who has no problem finishing tasks at the office. But she’s also a busy mother raising a family, and free time is hard to come by. So how can Helena banish her distractions? On this episode of How To!, the first in a two-part series on time management, we talk to Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable: How To Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Nir used to be just as distracted as Helena, but then he figured out some tricks to break free from his stray thoughts. He explains why procrastination isn’t a sign of laziness, it’s a sign of discomfort. And why it’s more important to address your feelings than silence your push notifications.
If you liked this episode, check out: “How To Stop Procrastinating” and make sure to tune in next week to learn how to set the perfect deadline.
Do you have a problem you’re focused on? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show.
Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices