How to maintain Consistency

6 replies
The biggest trouble the mind has in carrying out a project is not only organizing the project, detailing the steps necessary to complete the project, but implementing the project. We are all continually distracted by thousands of thoughts. The human mind is subject to unexpected events, unexpected behavior on the part of other people, mood changes based on individual physiology, diet, adequate or inadequate amounts of sleep, and a myriad of other factors.

Therefore in other to implement a plan of action, one needs to create a written list of everything that has to be accomplished, and check it off as each item is accomplished. I would recommend keeping two lists at all times. One which should be kept at your night table to be reviewed before you go to sleep and in the morning upon arising. A second list should be kept at your desk always at the same place and referred to continually as you do whatever is necessary to implement your own plans.

Another trick after finishing the day's work is to write out a list of things to do for the following day to further the project. This helps keep you focused the following morning, as the list that you have created when you were immersed in task fulfillment will be more accurate than if you first had to decide what you had to do the following morning without being warmed up in the project.

You should know your mental fatigue time and expect it. By observation you should determine whether you need a break after an intense hour or 2 hours.

And then when you take a break, see whether you need a 10 minute break or perhaps a lot longer before you feel mentally refreshed. Eating lightly for breakfast and lunch will help you from getting that sleepy feeling an hour after the meal. In addition drinking water between meals will also help you keep refreshed and reduce fatigue.

I hope this is of help to you.

Dr. Howard Marshall.
#consistency #maintain
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    More solid advice here Dr. Howard.

    Writing tasks down and marking them off one by one creates order in the mind. An orderly mind is a peaceful, efficient mind. That's why it has been said that order is heaven's first law.

    As for taking breaks I advise one every hour. Sure you might feel inspired and want to work through your break but the line between inspiration and desperation is often razor thin. What started off as constructive activity can turn destructive in a heartbeat if you don't take frequent breaks to observe your mood.

    Ryan
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    • Profile picture of the author Vogin
      It also depends on the type of person. One day, it's so hard to do anything and I work 1hour tops, next day I'm able to put 14 hours straight and finish a couple of projects.

      The more pressure, the more I thrive, and it applies for my studying as well.
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      • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
        Hi Vogin,

        That's a good point. At times you don't want to be consistent because you get stuck in a rut.

        Better to trust the intuition. Learn to listen to the quiet voice while shutting up the ego's chatter.
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  • Profile picture of the author butchoy87
    Originally Posted by howard_marshall View Post

    The biggest trouble the mind has in carrying out a project is not only organizing the project, detailing the steps necessary to complete the project, but implementing the project. We are all continually distracted by thousands of thoughts. The human mind is subject to unexpected events, unexpected behavior on the part of other people, mood changes based on individual physiology, diet, adequate or inadequate amounts of sleep, and a myriad of other factors.

    Therefore in other to implement a plan of action, one needs to create a written list of everything that has to be accomplished, and check it off as each item is accomplished. I would recommend keeping two lists at all times. One which should be kept at your night table to be reviewed before you go to sleep and in the morning upon arising. A second list should be kept at your desk always at the same place and referred to continually as you do whatever is necessary to implement your own plans.

    Another trick after finishing the day's work is to write out a list of things to do for the following day to further the project. This helps keep you focused the following morning, as the list that you have created when you were immersed in task fulfillment will be more accurate than if you first had to decide what you had to do the following morning without being warmed up in the project.

    You should know your mental fatigue time and expect it. By observation you should determine whether you need a break after an intense hour or 2 hours.

    And then when you take a break, see whether you need a 10 minute break or perhaps a lot longer before you feel mentally refreshed. Eating lightly for breakfast and lunch will help you from getting that sleepy feeling an hour after the meal. In addition drinking water between meals will also help you keep refreshed and reduce fatigue.

    I hope this is of help to you.

    Dr. Howard Marshall.

    Wow Dr. Marshall! Thanks! Very thorough advice.
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  • Profile picture of the author koncorps
    Thanks for the advice Doc.
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  • Profile picture of the author 10 Pounds Slimmer
    Great advice, Dr., and great feedback to all, particularly Ryan's point about order. Put in another way, I would say that one is to plan your work and work your plan while remaining aware and shifting your sail with the wind as needed to stay the course and accomplish what you desire. In other words, flexibility can be priceless in fulfilling your to-do lists.
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