A few weeks ago I posted a link to a Scientific American article which made the case that the mastery of skills such as chess and music is largely a function of "effortful study". I think this is equally true of the skill of living. Most people spend no time thinking about how to live better, and may even find the question strange. But with a small time investment of ten or fifteen minutes a day, substantial improvements are possible. In the business world it's often said that what gets measured gets improved, and the same is true outside the business world. My recommendation is to put together a short list of questions to ask and answer each day. For example:
When you wake up:
- How will I spend my time today?
- Is it the best use of my time?
- Will it help to further my long-term goals?
- What do I need to accomplish in order to consider today a success?
When you go to sleep:
- Was today successful?
- Did I progress as expected toward my long-term goals?
- If I had a second shot at today, what would I do differently?
- What should I do tomorrow?