Introduction
Welcome back to the blog! Today, we’re going to dive into one of my favorite books called “Someday is Today” by Matthew Dicks. This book is filled with incredibly actionable, helpful, and practical advice for achieving more of the things we want in life. Matthew Dicks, the author, has an inspiring story of overcoming challenges and turning his life around. In this blog, we’ll distill and discuss seven actionable tips from “Someday is Today” that will help you achieve more of what you want in life.
Tip 1: The Parking Lot Practice
When it comes to being productive, we often think we need the perfect environment or setting to get things done. However, Matthew Dicks suggests that true productivity doesn’t have to look pretty. He shares a story in the book about how he used his time in a parking lot to work on his novel instead of waiting idly. The key takeaway is that there will never be a perfect time or place to start working towards your goals. Don’t wait for the right environment or circumstances; take action now despite the imperfect conditions.
Tip 2: The Minutes Mindset
When planning our day, we tend to think in blocks of hours. However, Matthew Dicks suggests that thinking in minutes can help us make the most of our time. He shares a story about using the minutes someone was late to write sentences for his book. By valuing every minute and making intentional use of small pockets of time, we can make significant progress towards our goals. So, instead of waiting for the perfect moment, utilize the minutes you have to work towards what matters to you.
Tip 3: The Lily Pad Method
Working towards big goals can often feel overwhelming, especially when there are multiple steps involved. Matthew Dicks introduces the concept of the “lily pad method,” which encourages us to jump around and tackle tasks in a non-linear way. Rather than feeling stuck on one step, you can choose to work on different aspects of your goal depending on your mood and energy. This flexibility allows for progress and prevents feeling overwhelmed by the entire journey.
Tip 4: The Horizon Habit
Setting specific goals can sometimes be demotivating, especially if they’re out of our control. Matthew Dicks suggests setting “horizon goals” instead. These goals are more general and serve as directional guides rather than strict targets. By focusing on the broader horizon, we allow ourselves flexibility and resilience. We can still work towards our goals, but we’re not tied down by rigid expectations.
Tip 5: The Piano Precedent
Planning our lives meticulously can lead to disappointment when unexpected events occur. Matthew Dicks advises against overly detailed plans, using the analogy of inviting the universe to drop a piano on you. While planning is important, it’s essential to recognize that life often takes unpredictable turns. It’s about finding a balance between having a plan and being open to adjusting it when needed.
Tip 6: The 100-Year-Old Plan
When faced with a crossroads in life, Matthew Dicks suggests imagining yourself as a 100-year-old and seeking advice from your future self. This exercise helps shift perspective and provides clarity on what truly matters. Making decisions with your 100-year-old self in mind allows you to focus on what will bring long-term fulfillment rather than short-term gratification.
Tip 7: The Purposeful Approach
Productivity is often associated with work and hustle, but Matthew Dicks encourages us to take a step back and consider why we want to be productive. It’s about making the most of our time to pursue the things that truly matter to us. This includes setting “soft goals” that may not be traditionally productive but bring us joy and fulfillment. By maximizing our productivity in areas that sustain us, we create more time and energy for the things that align with our purpose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Someday is Today” by Matthew Dicks offers invaluable insights and practical tips for achieving more in life. By embracing the parking lot practice, minutes mindset, lily pad method, horizon habit, piano precedent, 100-year-old plan, and purposeful approach, you can make significant progress towards your goals and live a more fulfilled life. Remember, productivity doesn’t have to look pretty, and the key is to take action now. So, start implementing these tips and watch as you achieve more of what you truly want in life.
