#188 Predictable pathways

I can choose to procrastinate on a project for weeks – then finish it all in one go, right before the deadline.

In absolute terms, I might have been very efficient with my time – but the time I saved, I spent frustrated with myself.

The long-term effect on my self-image: I’m a procrastinator.

What if I work a little bit on a project every single day – and have it finished well before the deadline?

I might spend more time in total – but every day, every moment spent makes me feel good about myself.

The long-term effect on my self-image: I cultivate an identity of discipline and consistency. I do what I believe to be good for me. I build character. Taking small daily actions towards a goal becomes part of my identity.

What’s more: I avoid the frustration and resentment that comes with procrastination (=not doing what I know I should be doing), and feel good about myself instead.

Long-term, the benefits of small daily actions always outweigh huge last-minute efforts.

“Getting better” at something is not a linear process.

You can practice every day and not see any progress.

In fact, you can practice every day and notice deterioration.

But it’s impossible to practice every day without building the self-trust that you have the discipline to practice every day.

I might not have clear proof that I’m becoming a better writer, but I have irrefutable proof that I wrote today, yesterday, and the past 138 days.

And because I write every day, the evidence is building that I am, in fact, a writer.

As my actions shift my identity, the probability that I’ll keep writing increases.

And as long as I keep writing, the probability of writing better work increases.

Tiny Trust Builders are the only reliable proof of progress.