Choose something that’ll be helpful or rewarding in your work, academic, or personal life. You’ll stay motivated and enjoy the benefits more! Remember that diligence requires consistent and thorough effort. It may not feel fun at the moment, but the end result makes it worth it.
Use your planner consistently. It takes nearly 2 months to build a secure habit, so remind yourself to use it daily. Consider color coding your tasks and events with highlighters or sticky notes to keep track of different projects, classes, or commitments.
Tackle the biggest, most important item on your list first thing in the morning (after you’re fully refreshed and ready to work, of course). If you can’t contain your list to 3 items, make another list of everything you need to do that week, then put it away (this is a brain dump, not a new to-do list). Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of “work on paper today,” try “create paper outline today” and “finish first draft tomorrow. ”
Aim to finish early. That way, you have some buffer time to edit or make adjustments (or finish your work if an unexpected conflict got in the way). Talk to professors, supervisors, or colleagues in advance to get an idea of what you need to do if you’re unclear on the details or instructions. Try to do early, short work sessions instead of cramming an entire project into one day or week.
Limit your time on the internet, your phone, or in front of the TV to concentrate on your goals. [7] X Expert Source Annie Lin, MBALife & Career Coach Expert Interview. 25 November 2019. Remove clutter from your workspace and turn off your phone notifications. Try to only check your emails and messages twice a day to avoid getting derailed. [8] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source Complete your 1- to 2-minute “mini-tasks” first thing in the morning to get rid of mental clutter and distractions.
Consider upcoming deadlines or whether not doing something will have a major impact on your goals or on others. If you need help prioritizing, ask a professor, your boss, or a friend to help you decide what’s most important or helpful to get done. For example, wait to text back a friend you see all the time while you’re wrapping up a presentation.
Set mini-deadlines for yourself to stay on track. You can always adjust your timeline if something is taking longer than expected or a conflict pops up. See if you can cancel unnecessary meetings. If you have to go, stick to the agenda to run things efficiently.
Look for people who have similar goals. If you’re trying to lose weight, a fitness group could be a great place for you to connect with someone.
Chat with people who like to ask questions to help you see a problem from multiple angles. Stay close to people who have big dreams for themselves. Those dreams don’t have to be similar to yours—it’s the drive and the attitude that count.
Be consistent with your time. For example, if you need to practice more scales on the flute, try doing it around the same time each day. Use a calendar or checklist to track your progress. You’ll feel great when you see you jogged every day if more exercise was your goal. Reward yourself with something fun once you’ve successfully performed your new routine on a consistent basis.
Use affirmations or mantras to keep your willpower from slipping. Try:[17] X Research source “Success comes to those who want to succeed, and I want to succeed. ” “My career is in my hands. ” “Relax and rejuvenate. A healthy body and mind will always reap superior results. ”
Try something that will relax you or make you feel accomplished, like: Sleeping in Ordering out from or going to your favorite restaurant Taking a day off work Splurging on something nice for yourself (within reason) Spending time with friends and family Rewarding yourself will boost your self-confidence and make you feel more proud and excited about your accomplishments and efforts.
Sometimes, stuff happens—reevaluate your goals and determine if your plan still works. Be kind to yourself if life gets in the way (it isn’t your fault). If something unpredictable like an injury prevents you from meeting a deadline, communicate with your professor or colleagues ASAP. For example, if you have to do a mass mailing and normally print envelopes individually, try learning a new program that automates the process.
Set firm boundaries with your schedule. Try to work more efficiently during work time so you can let loose during your free time. Seek help from friends or colleagues if you’re overwhelmed. Muscling through at the cost of your wellbeing detracts from your diligence in the long run.
Ask trusted friends about how you come off in social settings, and seek regular feedback at work to learn how others perceive you. Use self-awareness to deal with burnout. If you’re feeling exhausted, detached, cynical, or ineffective, chances are you can’t work diligently. [22] X Research source Raise your self-awareness to help you work and lead with strong character, authenticity, purpose, and trust.
Challenging you to grow and develop as a person Benefiting others in your community Being a role model for your peers or children Keeping yourself occupied with meaningful work
Being diligent in your faith can guide you through difficult choices or decisions in other areas of your life, like work, school, or relationships. In many religions, diligence means going all in on the teachings of your gods, holy books, or spiritual leaders. Otherwise, you risk falling into sin or failure.
Take a step backward if you’ve bitten off more than you can chew or run into a dead end. Sometimes, the way forward requires a short detour. Create a new to-do list and get to work. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, be diligent and optimistic about the new opportunities you have now.
Your goals have changed—maybe you’re not interested anymore, or your life circumstances have changed and your old goal isn’t the wise choice. The reward isn’t worth the effort, time, and resources. You’ve dug yourself into a hole financially, spiritually, or emotionally and can’t get out. The risks to your health, social or romantic life, or finances outweigh the potential benefits of accomplishing your goal. Your original goal was unattainable.
