That way, you eliminate time spent pitching camp and then tear-
ing it down again each time.
Also, when you become accustomed to doing a job in a specific
place, you’ll be focused and ready to work as soon as you enter
that place. This is another example of mind conditioning; you’re
training your mind to perform a certain function in a certain place.
This place doesn’t have to be fancy or even private. It just has to be
yours, and it has to have the tools you need.
3. Map the terrain
Before you begin the trip, figure out exactly where you want
to go, and what the destination looks like. This is another basic
requirement in order to reach a successful conclusion, but it’s
astonishing how often the trigger will be pulled before the gun is
properly aimed.
Remind yourself of your purpose. What’s in it for you? For your
organization? For the client or customer? If you can’t answer these
questions, save yourself time and effort—and ensure that you’ll do
a better job—by taking a few moments now to get the information
you need and to focus on what you hope to accomplish.
If you still aren’t sure, seek out the authorization, approval, or
verification you need. Again, a few minutes spent here can save
hours later. And you’ll work more efficiently and confidently.
If the work involves several stages, write them down first. Don’t
try to create the sort of orderly outline only an English teacher
could love. Just jot down the steps or ideas in the order they occur
to you. Then number the items in proper sequence. If it is still
difficult to create this simple list of steps, by now you should be
alerted to the fact that you have a problem.
G E T S TA R T E D