One Behavior Theory
Over the last few months, my productivity and overall mental well-being have been a bit erratic. I went from a season of hyper focus in all areas (emotional, mental, spiritual, etc) in the fall, to a solid smooth flow in January, back into a bit of a cluster this spring. I have tons going on in life (career transition, moving a couple of hours away, and just a bunch of other things), but that still really should account for what I’m not satisfied with right now.
In addition, I feel that much of what is unsatisfactory in my life right now is due to a struggle in lack of focus.
And I think that for me, it all boils down to one behavior I choose to do first thing in the morning, rather than the thing I am choosing to NOT do.
I’m calling it one behavior theory.
That one behavior that serves as a catalyst and chain reaction towards me having a day that is wildly in the zone of what I am good at, how I am able to affect things the most and be the best version of myself that I need to be.
For me, that one thing that decides everything is based on waking up early and going immediately into my devotion time.* Now, while I will place a wild amount of spiritual significance into this time, it also does something else. This time activates my mind during the time when my mind is at its most critical space. And for me, this time isn’t just reading scripture, but journaling, taking some notes and writing down ideas. Afterward, I generally read other books for an hour or so, get cleaned up, and then head out to write or work on passion projects for another hour or so…and then be in the office by 8:30 am.
While I think the time I wake up matters a lot, I’ve also been known to wake up early and spend an hour and a half with coffee, a blanket, the dog, and YouTube. On those days I rush into the office haphazardly and never allowed my mind to enter into its most effective state. I struggle with focus and the ability to strategically accomplish those tasks that lead towards the next thing. Instead, I spin throughout the day taking care of things, but not being closer to where I know things need to be. I also wrap up the day just feeling crummy.
But this YouTube thing. I started the practice back when it was an innocent thing. I was doing a 90-day Bible read (using my tablet) and then listening to a daily prayer app. But it diverted into a YouTube binge habit. I think many times we find ourselves out of any productivity rhythm because we let our intention down. The commitment I am making to myself is to remember the larger value of what one decision makes for me each day. That critical moment has the ability to affect everything else that happens after it.
So what is your critical one behavior?
*I make this note because I don’t want to make this time of devotion non-important. To me its absolute critical distinction is supernatural and spiritual…and I’m comfortable with realizing how it practically forms me for the rest of the day.