Get Everything Done

From the comments it seems that many people are having trouble with the question “What am I resisting not doing” which I described in my last post. I spent a long time testing the wording that worked best, and this was it. And it’s still working brilliantly for me.

So I’m reluctant to change the wording, but instead I would like to give some more examples so that you can grasp the meaning more easily. I think that it’s worthwhile for you to stick with my wording until you are happy with it, rather than change the wording.

The fundamental thing on which this question is based is the difference between:

Resisting doing something
Resisting not doing something

Example 1:

Writing a report

I am resisting writing my report because:

It’s hard work
I don’t know what to write
I’m bored
I’ve got better things to do

I am resisting not writing my report because:

Not doing it on time will adversely affect my career
The longer I leave it the harder it will become
I’ll finish up writing it in a rush just before the deadline
It will be hanging over me until I get it done
Putting it off won’t give me time to research it properly.

Now the fact is that you are resisting both these scenarios already. The aim of the question is to put your attention onto the second scenario, rather than the first.

Example 2:

Putting stuff away

I’m resisting putting stuff away because:

It’s not going to matter just this once
I’m not sure where some of it goes
I just can’t be bothered
Who’s going to know anyway?

I’m resisting not putting stuff away because:

If I don’t do it every day it will keep building up
I’ll keep tripping over things
My colleagues will get annoyed
Some stuff will get lost, damaged or stolen
It looks terrible
People will think I’m a slob

Example 3

Taking exercise

I’m resisting taking exercise because:

I just don’t feel like it
It’s really hard work
I’ve left it too late - I haven’t got time now
I want to lie in today
I’ve got a hang-over

I’m resisting not taking exercise because:

Once I get out of the habit I’ll get unfit again
I’ll feel guilty all day for not doing it
I wont get the “lift” that comes from exercising
I get depressed when I don’t get enough exercise
My friends will laugh at me for never finishing anything I start