So how can index cards make you stop procrastinating? It sounds like a stretch, right?
But it’s not, so long as you like colorful index cards.
The point here isn’t the index cards themselves, though they often work for me. The point is that you can stop procrastination by switching up your tools.
In my case, I was putting off doing a budgeting exercise for work, staring at my same old spreadsheet, clicking over to read my email, getting a snack, finally signing those invoices…you get the idea.
Instead of forcing myself to work directly in the spreadsheet, I pulled out a stack of cheerful bright green index cards, a blue felt-tip pen, and a jumbo old-school desktop calculator that was in my filing cabinet when I started my job, and that I have come to love.
And that is the key, I love these objects.
Stop Procrastinating with Objects You Love
Sure, I love what a spreadsheet can do, but my emotions towards the spreadsheet itself are meh. Filling in those cells doesn’t inspire me like putting pen to paper does.
So I simply worked out a few scenarios, one per index card, old-school style with my calculator, until I had gotten to a good place. After that I took my best solution and typed it into the spreadsheet, added a few tweaks, and I was done!
The task took way less time than I anticipated. That boost of inspiration to get started made all the difference.
Think about what your neon index card is. Maybe some creamy linen paper, maybe a Moleskin notebook, maybe a fresh pack of glittery metallic pens.
Whatever it is, no matter how weird, keep it on hand. Your brain will get a jumpstart, and your heart will get a little lighter.
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