Your Efforts Aren't Turning Into Progress? Here's Why...

Happy Sunday everyone,

Did you know that 95% of people admit to procrastinating?

While almost everyone delays tasks now and then, 20% are chronic procrastinators who let it seriously impact their lives.

Most of us just get caught in short-term distractions—like binge-watching TV, which 44% of adults in the US say they do to avoid work!

In today’s email:

1. How to stop "Doing" and start progressing and why most people are procrastinating without even realizing it.

2. 3 great stories you may have missed including the utopian healthcare of the near-future and how the UK is winning the fight against CO2 emissions.

3. A refreshing take on how to build a more positive mindset and embrace emotional resilience, from someone you wouldn’t expect…

POWER SURGE

How to Stop "Doing" and Start Progressing

Do you ever find yourself “doing” and not progressing? You're not alone. I've been there too – stuck in the endless cycle of preparation without action.

It’s a tricky trap that many intelligent people fall into - “doing” looks productive, however, it’s really just a common form of procrastination.

But there's a crucial difference between "doing" and "progressing" that determines whether we actually reach our goals.

So what’s the difference?

• Doing: Activities such as preparing, organizing, and strategizing.

• Progressing: Activities like taking action that produces a result. These activities often require a degree of ‘doing’ beforehand.

Here are some examples:

• Fitness: Researching workout plans (doing) vs. actually hitting the gym (progressing).

• Writing: Outlining article ideas (doing) vs. writing & publishing one (progressing).

• Dieting: Reading about healthy recipes (doing) vs. cooking one (progressing).

• Business: Networking with leads (doing) vs. closing a deal (progressing).

Doing isn’t bad—it’s necessary to some extent. But if you spend too much time doing, you won’t be happy with your ROTS (Return On Time Spent).

So many of us fall into the trap of doing as it protects us from failure - there’s no risk of rejection or looking foolish when just planning.

Doing gives you the illusion of productivity. As long as you’re preparing, you’re not risking mistakes.

Here’s some advice on how to start progressing:

Try these proven strategies:

• Consistency Beats Perfection
  Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment or idea. A small, clumsy step forward is better almost every time.

  • Publish the draft article, even if it’s not flawless.

  • Hit the gym, even if you don’t have don’t have the perfect workout plan.

  • “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”

• The ‘Public Promise’
  Make your goal public. Share it with a friend, post it online, or shout it from the rooftops! Saying it makes it real, and accountability works wonders for pushing you into action.

  • Announce your book release date.

  • Tell your friends about your fitness goal.

Further Reading

If you enjoyed this topic, you may like these books:

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

   • This book is a masterclass in creating small, sustainable habits that lead to significant change over time.

   • Check it out on Amazon | Listen on Audible

2. Deep Work by Cal Newport

   • Cal Newport explores the power of focused, distraction-free work and how it can help you achieve extraordinary results. If you want to learn how to prioritize "progressing," this book is an excellent guide.

   • Check it out on Amazon | Listen on Audible

ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE

Here are 3 great stories you may have missed:

1. Gaza ceasefire deal reached by Israel and Hamas

• Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire set to begin on Sunday morning (today!).

• Both parties agreed to halt airstrikes and rocket attacks, effective immediately.

• As part of the deal, there is a plan to significantly increase humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, with up to 600 aid trucks entering daily.

2. The UK is successfully pivoting to renewable energy sources

• In 2024, just 29% of the UK’s energy came from polluting fossil fuels.

• CO2 emissions per unit have fallen by more than two-thirds in a decade.

• Electricity generation from wind (26%) is set to overtake gas-fired power stations (28%).

3. AI utilization in healthcare could transform our lives very shortly

• While unlikely to replace doctors, AI could dramatically increase the productivity of healthcare professionals. Same Demand + More Supply = Lower Costs.

• AI could read our genetic code and create tailored health plans from advanced healthcare forecasting.

• AI can dramatically increase the speed at which new life-changing drugs are discovered. The ‘newest’ anti-biotic, Daptomycin, was found back in the 1980s.

PLUGGED IN

Matthew McConaughey x Chris Williamson

I’m a long-time fan of Chris Williamson and a huge fan of most of the things he puts online - but this one is an exception.

This time I’m a massive fan - Chris and Matthew perfected it.

The two talk about optimism, transforming negative emotions, loneliness, finding your perfect partner, and much, much more…

Definitely worth a listen if you have an hour or two spare.

Thank you for reading!

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