What is the problem I choose?

Recently I started a habit of reading on the train to work before plunging into the deep pool of pressing challenges. So I got my hands on this book titled Essentialism — disciplined pursuit of less by Greg Mackeown.
For the many who aspire to be the next Mark Zuckerberg, you have probably read the countless number of articles about him and his gray shirt.
For those who don’t know yet, read this article here
In short, Mark Zuckerbeg’s choice of the same shirt is to limit decision making where possible.
What exactly is Essentalism?
“Naturally the practice of Essentialism is not done once a year or once a month like organising your wardrobe. It is a discipline you apply each and every time you are faced with a decision to say yes or politely decline. It is a method of making the tough trade-off between lots of good things and a few really great things” — Greg Mackeown
So again ..

The idea that “You have it all” in a fast-paced world of wanting to be seen and doing the coolest thing and with the cool people is almost non-existent.

In fact this picture (extracted from the book) on the right tells it all — diversify your energy in all directions so you can land on something or go deep in one?
But the question lies in… How do we even know what matters?
To find our answers, I believe that has to come from a space to design — the key to discerning between the many things we want to do vs what is really essential. What is important vs what is urgent? What is problem I choose?
To design we need some escapades and that involve some simple steps:
- The Perks of Being Unavailable
Attention is a limited commodity and there are only so many things that we can stretch over. So at times we just need to say no which is perfectly ok and respected.
In my case I have made it a point to not over book my social calendar after work just so I can spend some time alone. So no more 2 social after hours gathering on weekdays is the goal for me.
As it goes ..
“Without great solitude no serious work is possible” — Pablo Picasso
- Smashing the Sleep Stigma
Sleep is the golden rule to optimising any form of attention, focus and the ability to think creatively.
I had gone on barely 5 hours’ sleep a day to handle competing priorities during my exciting start-up days. I was certain that I could get out more from sleeping less.
So wrong! It had not quite ended up well on reflection. I was constantly tired and not focused in delivering what I needed to. Also I was not alert to make good decisions.
So sleep at least 7–8 hours to protect our asset in order to design and prioritise.
PS: Just make sure you aren’t doing any brain work at least 1 hour before sleep because that kills any form of quality sleep.
- Spilling those beans
Seeing is believing. Writing brings your thoughts to life and that prompt you into a reflective mode.
I have started to write in my journal every few days for a couple of minutes so hopefully you will see a much writer by end of the year and more reflective pieces ;)
Suggestion: Take 5 minutes off Facebook (or Linkedin) every day and use that time to write a few sentences to get the engine moving.
- Always have time for play
Play is unnecessary. Play is child. Play is discouraged when you hit adulthood.
Play awakes the wisdom of your inner child.
I had forgotten how to play during my start-up days. I spent every day pondering on product development, growing the client base and bringing home that bumper of revenue and forging that favourite play time of mine.
On hindsight I would have delivered better ideas during my start-up time should I have allowed myself some play time!
So choose the problem you want, get out there and have some fun. That would eventually form the opinion to choose your problem.
