Navigating Tile Installation: Ensure a Flawless Experience from the Start
Tackling Long-Term Projects: A Relatable Guide for Creatives and Workaholics
Last week, I let you in on some writing advice I gathered from an expert panel, specifically from Jeff Wheeler's "laying tile" metaphor. In this post, I'm diving deeper into this concept and applying it to long-term work of any kind.
Let's rephrase: Ever feel overwhelmed by a big project? The "laying tile" technique is here to turn that daunting task into manageable chunks.
Embrace the Tile Layer Mentality
Ever heard the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day"? Well, neither will your long-term project. But, copying age-old wisdom, here's a new approach: lay one tile at a time; repeat daily. You'll end up with a masterpiece without realizing it.
Schedule Your Tile Time
Proactive planning is the key to success. Don't just wait for inspiration; make time for your project. Remember, nobody genuinely has spare time; it's all about rearranging priorities.
Instead of routinely wasting time on distractions, find a time that suits your schedule, then commit to this dedicated period for your project.
Build a Habit, Not a Habit-Parse
Sticking to a routine is the toughest part. To make it easier:
- Surround Yourself with Action Triggers: Action triggers are the environmental cues triggering your actions. Find a location and a time that works for you and create an action trigger that helps ingrain the habit.
For example, if my afternoon productivity boost kicks in at 3 PM, I call it my writing hour and dedicate that time to my project.
- Outsmart Your Weaknesses: Formulate an implementation intention, which is a preplanned response aimed at overcoming challenges and temptations. Recognize your pitfalls and plan your activities accordingly.
For instance, if my friends often invite me to impromptu hangouts during work hours, I set a reply template telling them I'm busy working on my current project and arrange to catch up after.
Accountability Builds Success
Staying accountable keeps you on track, especially during those uncertain moments when you're tempted to slack off. No one wants to stumble when they know they're being watched.
- Track Your Progress: Choose a visual method to record your progress, be it a spreadsheet or a physical journal. This lets you see your growth and stay motivated.
- Reward Yourself: Treat yourself when you reach a milestone or maintain a streak. It doesn't have to be expensive—it can be as simple as buying a latte or watching your favorite show. Rewards provide motivation to keep going.
You Can Lay Tiles, Too
The tile-laying technique takes practice. You're bound to miss a few days, but don't give up. Stick with it, and, eventually, you'll lay down enough tiles to build something stunning.
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, but you can lay tiles. What long-term project are you working on, and what steps have you taken to make it happen? Drop your experiences in the comments below.
Sources:
Gollwitzer, Peter M. Peter M Gollwitzer, New York University, as.nyu.edu/content/nyu-as/as/faculty/peter-m-gollwitzer.html.
Heath, Chip, and Dan Heath. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard. Random House Business Books, 2011.
Heath, Chip, and Dan Heath. The Power of Moments. Simon & Schuster, 2017.
"How to Gain Control of Your Free Time | Laura Vanderkam." YouTube.com, TED, 7 Feb. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3kNlFMXslo.
- For a harmonious home-and-garden setting that mirrors your lifestyle, approach each task with the "tile layer" mentality. Lay one stone or plant one flower daily, and your space will eventually transform into a breathtaking haven.
- Cultivate an inspiring home-and-garden environment that supports your creative lifestyle by creating action triggers. Dedicate a special time each day to work on your garden projects, reinforcing the habit and turning your living space into a sanctuary for creativity and growth.
