My dad called me on a Wednesday, asking me to him with his email as it was not working. I was in a rush that day and I told him that I didn’t have time, and I will attend to it on Saturday.
My dad passed away on Friday, two days after I was too busy to attend to his needs. The Friday was one week away from when my wife and I were supposed to fly back home to spend Christmas with him.
Have you called and spoken to your parents today?
I learned this painful lesson the hard way. Until today I regret not attending to his call, attending to his need, always thinking that my time is more important.
Soon afterwards, I left the country I was working in and returned home to spend time with mum, who was aging gracefully.
If I could turn back time, I would do the following
Make regular quality time a priority
Consistently set aside dedicated time to spend with your parents, even if it’s just for short periods. This could involve weekly dinners, regular phone calls, or planned visits. Quality time doesn’t necessarily mean long durations, but rather focused, meaningful interactions.
Create and preserve memories
Engage in activities that create lasting memories with your parents. This could include taking family vacations, celebrating special occasions together, or simply documenting everyday moments through photos or videos. These shared experiences will be treasured long after they’re gone.
Show appreciation and express love
Actively demonstrate your love and gratitude for your parents. This can be done through verbal expressions, thoughtful gestures, or small acts of kindness. Don’t assume they know how you feel – make it a point to tell them and show them regularly.
Seek their advice and wisdom
Take the time to ask your parents for guidance and listen to their life experiences. This not only shows that you value their input but also allows you to learn from their wisdom. Ask them to share stories about their lives and the lessons they’ve learned.
Involve them in your life
Keep your parents involved and informed about your life, including your challenges, successes, and everyday experiences. Share your goals and aspirations with them, and include them in important life events. This helps maintain a strong connection and makes them feel valued and included.
At the end of the day, at your death bed, you wont be thinking about work, or money. You will be regretting the times you didn’t spend together. You will be regretting your loved ones. You will be crying within about the things you wished you did for others when you were capable off.
Life throws problems our way constantly. From fixing a leaky faucet to figuring out the best career path, navigating these challenges can feel overwhelming. But what if there was a secret weapon you could use to solve difficult problems with confidence?
In 1945, mathematician George Pólya wrote a powerful, little book titled “How to Solve It“. This timeless classic goes beyond just math problems and offers a powerful framework for tackling any challenge life throws your way. This book isn’t just a collection of dusty equations; it offers some practical steps to sharpen your thinking and conquer any problem.
The Four Pillars of Problem-Solving Success
Pólya doesn’t just throw problem-solving techniques at you. Instead, he offers a structured approach with four key steps that guide you from confusion to solution. He basically breaks solving difficult problems into four steps:
Understanding the Problem: This might seem obvious, but it’s the foundation for any successful solution. Pólya emphasizes the importance of truly grasping the problem’s core.
What are you trying to find (the unknown)? What information do you have (the data)? Is the problem even solvable with the given information?
Most of the time we rush to solve the problem thinking we know what the problem is. But I found out that this isnt always the case for me. Sometimes I think I know what the problem is but when I go and search for the solution, I end up raw away from the solution. And this is because I dont really understand the problem. By wrestling with the above questions, you gain a clear understanding of the battlefield before diving into strategies.
Devising a Plan: Now that you understand the enemy (the problem), it’s time to formulate a battle plan. Pólya suggests looking for similar problems you’ve encountered before.
Have you ever tackled something like this? Is there a related problem whose solution can be adapted to your current situation?
Sometimes, the key lies in recognizing familiar patterns and applying past knowledge in new ways. There is always a solution out there but the solution isnt always complete. It has to be pieced together, bits and pieces.
Carrying Out the Plan: This is where you put your carefully crafted plan into action. Following your chosen strategy, you actively solve the problem. Pólya emphasizes the importance of working through the solution step-by-step. Don’t be afraid to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable chunks.
There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.
Examining the Solution Obtained: Did you conquer the problem? Here’s where you double-check your answer. Is your solution logical and consistent with the given information? Sometimes, a fresh look can reveal errors or even lead to more elegant solutions. Don’t be afraid to revisit your steps and refine your answer! In chess, the famous world champion, Gary Kasparov used to say, “When you find a solution, find another!”
Beyond Math: A Universal Approach to Life’s Challenges
The beauty of Pólya’s approach – it’s not limited to the realm of mathematics. These four steps can be applied to any problem life throws your way. Stuck on a project at work? Use Pólya’s framework to understand the project’s goals, devise a plan to achieve them, execute your plan step-by-step, and finally, evaluate your progress and results.
A Timeless Classic: Why “How to Solve It” Still Matters
Published in the mid-20th century, “How to Solve It” might seem like a relic from a bygone era. However, its core message – a structured approach to problem-solving – is as relevant today as ever. In a world filled with information overload and complex challenges, Pólya’s book equips you with a practical framework to navigate uncertainty and find solutions.
Sharpen Your Thinking and Embrace the Challenge
Whether you’re a student tackling a challenging math problem or a working professional navigating complex projects, by embracing Pólya’s four-step approach, you can transform problem-solving from a daunting task into an empowering journey of discovery.
So, the next time you encounter a challenge, remember the wisdom of “How to Solve It” and approach it with a structured plan and a confident mind.
Everyone talks about being productive. Count the seconds. Don’t waste time; time is life. But is this productivity or being busy for the sake of being busy?
Being productive means you’re working towards a goal. You know what you want and you’re setting small goals or steps towards the larger goal. And each of these small steps have their own timeline. If they don’t, then these goals are just wishes. And wishes don’t come true.
But along the way, life happens. You get distracted. The involvement of family and friends can take a toll on your emotions.
Here are a few ideas you can implement to help you be more productive.
Harness the Power of Focus
One of the most critical elements of productivity is focus. Without it, you’ll find yourself switching between tasks. You’ll lose momentum and struggle to make progress. As Tim Ferriss, renowned productivity expert, puts it,
“Focus on being productive instead of busy.”
This means putting your most important tasks first. And, removing distractions that can derail you. You have to force yourself to focus on your tasks. Don’t wait for the feel good feeling before you being you work. The feel good feeling will not come. You have to force yourself to sit down and work on the important task and remind yourself how this task will lead you to your goal down the road.
Put in the action and then the feeling will come.
Set an Amazingly Large Goal
Everyone sets tiny goals. Tiny goals dont excite you neither does it push you out of your boundaries. Having said this, dont set ridiculous goals like getting a million dollars within a month when you’re barely making a hundred dollars. A more reasonable goal would be like making 10, 000 dollars within six months.
So, setting clear goals is an essential component of productivity. Without a clear direction, you’ll find yourself wandering aimlessly, wasting time and energy on non-essential tasks. Franz Kafka, the famous novelist, once said,
“Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before.”
Set a goal just outside your reach, and then come up with small steps to achieve your goal, put a timeline against each of these steps, and then force yourself to take action on each of these steps.
It’s going to be hard, but the end result will be so rewarding. These are the exact steps every successful person goes through. We only see the end results. We don’t see the pain, sweat and tears these people put to get to the finish line.
The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
By setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals, you’ll be able to channel your energy towards what truly matters.
Managing Distractions
Distractions are everywhere, from social media to email notifications, meetings, and chatty coworkers. Distractions will derail you from your goal. And distractions can also come in the guise of friends and family members who pour cold water on your goals, saying that your goals are too far-fetched for someone like you. People do this for a reason. They are afraid of the success you might turn out to be. These are the first people who will hammer you down when the going gets tough for you. They don’t see the hard work you’re putting in to get the success at the end of the road.
To stay productive, you must learn to manage these distractions effectively. As Peter Drucker, the legendary management consultant, once said,
“Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”
Prioritize your tasks and minimise distractions, you’ll be able to stay focused on what truly matters.
Manage Your Time
Effective time management is critical to productivity. Learn to work in chunks of time — in batches of 30 minutes, and then take a 6 minute break. Go to the toilet, make coffee, go for a walk. The main thing is that you move away from your desk. Then come back and repeat this. I know this sounds tedious but this works. Ask anyone who is successful and they will tell you that this works. This is how your mind copes with stress.
As Stephen Covey, the renowned productivity expert, once said,
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
Then learn how to batch your work. This means if you intend to answer your emails, do this in one seating. Dont do anything else. This helps to focus your mind on one task. Then focus on another task in the next 30 minutes. Your mind work efficiently when it is not multi-tasking on many tasks at the same time. So, this means, shut off your emails and put your mobile phone on silent mode when working. Let you mind sharpen itself and laser focus on the work in front of you.
So, while it may seem counterintuitive, taking regular breaks can actually boost your productivity. By giving your brain a chance to rest and recharge, you’ll be able to come back to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.
As Laura Vanderkam, the productivity expert, once said,
“The key to productivity is recognizing that you’ll never get everything done, but you certainly can get the most important things done.”
5 Action Points to Boost Your Productivity
Prioritize Your Tasks: Start each day by prioritizing your tasks, focusing on the most critical ones first. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize your tasks into urgent vs. important and focus on the most critical ones first.
Eliminate Distractions: Identify the biggest distractions in your day and eliminate them. Turn off notifications, find a quiet workspace, and minimize meetings.
Set Clear Goals: Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals for yourself. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks and focus on making progress each day.
Take Regular Breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Use this time to meditate, stretch, or take a short walk.
Use Productivity Tools: Use productivity tools like to-do lists, calendars, and project management software to stay organized and focused. Find the tools that work best for you and use them to streamline your workflow.
These are big changes to make in your life. But you can make this happen. Do them one step at a time.
As always, I am here if you need help. Just leave a comment and a valid email address, and I will get back to you if you have any issues. We’re all in this together. If I can make a change, so can you.
It took me 50 years to learn why I couldn’t achieve anything remarkable. I made so many changes in my life but nothing would stick with me. I ended up going back to my old habits.
I lacked discipline!
Discipline is the foundation of achieving long-term success. It is the bridge between setting goals and realizing them. Without discipline, we are left with mere intentions and unfulfilled dreams.
And how do you cultivate discipline?
You build habits. One step at a time. Building habits is a crucial step in developing discipline, and it is essential to understand how habits can help us stay motivated and on track.
How Habits Can Build Discipline
Habits are repetitive behaviors that we perform automatically, often without conscious thought. By building good habits, we can create a routine that helps us stay disciplined and focused on our goals. Here are some ways habits can build discipline:
Consistency: Habits help us establish a consistent routine, which is essential for building discipline. When we perform a task consistently, it becomes second nature, and we are more likely to stick to it.
Accountability: Habits hold us accountable for our actions. When we commit to a habit, we are more likely to follow through, even when we don’t feel like it.
Self-control: Habits help us develop self-control, which is a critical component of discipline. By resisting temptations and staying focused on our goals, we build our self-control.
Motivation: Habits can motivate us to take action, even when we don’t feel like it. When we see progress and results from our habits, we become more motivated to continue.
How to Stay Motivated
Staying motivated is crucial for building discipline and achieving long-term success. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:
Set clear goals: Setting clear goals helps us stay focused and motivated. When we know what we want to achieve, we are more likely to stay on track.
Track progress: Tracking progress helps us see how far we’ve come and motivates us to continue.
Celebrate small wins: Celebrating small wins helps us stay motivated by recognizing our progress and achievements.
Find accountability: Finding accountability, whether it’s a friend, family member, or mentor, helps us stay motivated and on track.
How to Get Back on Track When You’ve Missed Deadlines
Missing deadlines can be discouraging, but it’s not the end of the world. Here are some tips to help you get back on track:
Don’t give up: Don’t give up, even when you’ve missed a deadline. Instead, focus on getting back on track as soon as possible.
Reassess your goals: Reassess your goals and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Break it down: Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to help you stay focused and motivated.
Seek support: Seek support from friends, family, or a mentor to help you stay motivated and on track.
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn
Recommended Books on Discipline
Here are some recommended books on discipline that can help you build habits and achieve long-term success:
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: This book provides a comprehensive guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones.
“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg: This book explores the science behind habits and provides practical tips for building good habits.
“Discipline Equals Freedom” by Jocko Willink: This book provides a no-nonsense approach to building discipline and achieving success.
Remember, discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment!
If you were to suddenly begin to walk briskly every day, you will not lose weight.
Surprised? I found this out the hard way. I was so pumped to lose weight by walking that I bought my Apple Watch and used Strava
When it comes to exercising for weight loss, understanding the correct heart rate is crucial. This is important for obese individuals to know the ideal heart rate to keep you in the fat burning zone.
How Much Should I Walk for Weight Loss?
First, how much should you walk.
Aim to walk at a moderate pace for at least 30 minutes, five days a week. This can help burn approximately 150 calories per day (depending on your weight), which can contribute to a calorie deficit and support weight loss. The key here is caloric deficit. So please don’t go home after the walk and gobble up a cake.
Calculating Heart Rate for Obese Individuals
To maximise your weight loss, aim to have your heart rate within the fat burning zone. Star by calculating your maximum heart rate = subtract your age from 220. For example, I am 50-years-old. So my maximum heart rate is 220 – 50 = 170 beats per minute (bpm). The fat-burning heart rate zone is typically between 50% and 70% of your maximum heart rate. So for me, I should be aiming to keep my heart rate between 85 beats and 120 beats per minute.
Here is a table of estimated fat-burning heart rates for obese males and females:
Age
Male Fat-Burning Heart Rate (bpm)
Female Fat-Burning Heart Rate (bpm)
20-29
120-140
115-135
30-39
115-135
110-130
40-49
110-130
105-125
50-59
105-125
100-120
60-69
100-120
95-115
Five Key Points to Focus on While Walking
Heart Rate: Monitor your heart rate regularly to ensure you are within the fat-burning zone. You can use a wrist monitor or chest strap to track your heart rate.
Pace: Aim for a brisk pace of at least 100 steps per minute to reap substantial fitness benefits. But dont over do it.
Breathlessness: If you can talk comfortably with some breathlessness, you are likely walking at a moderate but brisk pace. If you can’t talk easily, the pace is probably vigorous.
Posture: Maintain good posture while walking to engage your core and burn more calories. Keep your head up, shoulders relaxed, and engage your core muscles.
Consistency: Aim to walk at least 30 minutes per session, three to four times a week, to see significant weight loss and fitness improvements.
Very Important – You’re not in Danger!
Your fat burning zone is very important. Even if you think its too slow of a walk for you, keep at it – increase the duration, if possible. Keeping your body in the fat burning zone tells your body that you’re not in danger and its safe for your body to consume the fats. If you reach the higher heart beat range, you body will think you’re in danger and stop burning fat because it knows, from our cave man days, that you will need the fats later when the danger is over.
