You step on the accelerator and the speedometer needle moves. The expression ‘ moving the needle ‘ was inspired from motoring. No prizes for guessing that.
In a distraction obsessed world, the biggest skill that we can acquire or improve on is to keep, retain and control our attention. It’s one thing not to fall prey to distraction and another to find the best use for your time, attention and effort. That is based on what is of the most significance to you. It is a calling that you will begin to recognise- focus, attention & effort on something that will actually ‘ move the needle ‘, to take things from where they are, to where it ought to be.
Pardon me for stating the obvious. The whole world is in constant motion. The earth moves, the clouds move, the waves move and we too must move. Move and reach the destination of your choice.
The three Ps will help us find our needle its vein. A physical goal, a personal goal and a professional goal. Together they achieve balanced productivity and regardless of what is going on in your life, if you accomplish these three things every day, you will move the needle in your life.
Most people set goals at the start of a new year. With a clean slate and fresh start, we’re optimistic, excited, and enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead. But then reality sets in.
It’s harder than you thought it would be.
You don’t feel like you’re making progress.
Through no fault of your own, the world is in disarray (Pandemics, civil unrest, economic fluctuations, job loss, ruinous relationships etc.)
The goal you wanted to accomplish feels so far in the future or so far out of reach. You figure: why bother?
Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
The best way to be where you want to be a year from now is to do something today you’ll be glad you did-Seth Godin
And it doesn’t have to be something big.
We underestimate the impact and potential of starting small and taking consistent action.
By breaking any endeavor up into the smallest manageable parts, you make visible progress, increase your motivation, and gain momentum.
Maybe you want to write a book, build a business or start a podcast. Writing elaborate business plans and conducting extensive research might make you feel productive. But these activities won’t necessarily move the needle forward.
The paradox of designing the future is that what you get done today is the only thing that matters. Tiny actions pile up and amass to something big and awesome.
If you need it, knead it. Move it. Move the needle.
ENDS