Take the Stairs

1. Embrace the Paradox Principle: Short-term difficulty leads to long-term ease

Procrastination and indulgence are nothing more than creditors who charge us interest.

The Pain Paradox. This principle states that choices that are easy in the short term often lead to difficulties in the long term, while choices that are difficult in the short term often lead to ease in the long term. This counterintuitive approach to decision-making is the foundation of self-discipline and success.

Examples of the paradox:

• Exercising now leads to better health later
• Saving money now provides financial freedom in the future
• Studying hard now results in better career opportunities later

By understanding and embracing this principle, individuals can make more informed decisions that align with their long-term goals and aspirations, rather than succumbing to immediate gratification.

2. Commit fully with the Buy-In Principle to overcome obstacles

The more we have invested in something, the less likely we are to let it fail.

The power of commitment. The Buy-In Principle emphasizes the importance of full commitment to goals and projects. When faced with challenges or obstacles, those who are fully committed are more likely to persevere and find solutions, while those who are not may give up easily.

Key aspects of the Buy-In Principle:

• Create unacceptable consequences for failure
• Shift from asking "Should I?" to "How will I?"
• Eliminate "back doors" or easy escape routes

By applying this principle, individuals can increase their chances of success in various endeavors by fostering a mindset of determination and resilience.

3. Harness the power of focus through the Magnification Principle

Focus Is Power.

Concentrate your efforts. The Magnification Principle illustrates how focused effort can dramatically increase productivity and results. Just as a magnifying glass can concentrate sunlight to start a fire, focusing one's time and energy on specific tasks can lead to exponential results.

Three types of procrastination to avoid:

1. Classic procrastination: Consciously delaying known tasks
2. Creative avoidance: Unconsciously filling time with menial work
3. Priority dilution: Allowing attention to shift to less important tasks

By identifying and eliminating these forms of procrastination, individuals can enhance their focus and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.

4. Build integrity with the Creation Principle: Think it, speak it, act it

You think it, you speak it, you act it, it happens.

The power of words. The Creation Principle emphasizes the importance of aligning thoughts, words, and actions to build integrity and achieve goals. This principle suggests that the process of creation follows a specific pattern: first, we think about something, then we speak it into existence, and finally, we take action to make it happen.

Ways to strengthen your word:

• Invent possibilities by stating intentions
• Express gratitude consistently
• Offer genuine compliments
• Hold people accountable supportively
• Walk the talk by leading by example

By practicing these techniques, individuals can improve their integrity, build stronger relationships, and increase their likelihood of success in various areas of life.

5. Apply the Harvest Principle to maximize productivity in life seasons

Focused effort is amplified by appropriate timing and regimented routine.

Embrace life's seasons. The Harvest Principle teaches that success comes from understanding and working with the natural rhythms and seasons of life. Just as farmers know when to plant and when to harvest, individuals should recognize the appropriate times for focused effort and intense work.

Key concepts of the Harvest Principle:

• Double-Time Part Time for Full-Time Free Time (DTPTFTFT)
• Identify and maximize critical seasons in different life areas
• Create a schedule based on the "rocks, pebbles, sand" analogy

By applying this principle, individuals can optimize their productivity, achieve better work-life balance, and make the most of their time and energy in various aspects of life.

6. Cultivate faith and perspective to find peace in challenges

Our ability to have peace is directly proportionate to the term of our perspective.

Broaden your perspective. The Perspective Principle of Faith emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term view when facing challenges or setbacks. By cultivating faith in a greater purpose or plan, individuals can find peace and resilience in difficult times.

Benefits of a broader perspective:

• Reduces the perceived magnitude of current problems
• Provides context for setbacks and failures
• Encourages perseverance and patience

By adopting this principle, individuals can develop greater emotional stability, reduce stress, and maintain motivation in the face of obstacles.

7. Take immediate action to overcome fear and achieve your goals

Action is the cure for fear.

Act now. The Pendulum Principle emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action to overcome fear and achieve goals. It suggests that our true beliefs are revealed not by what we say, but by how we act.

Three common faces of inaction:

1. Fear: "I'm scared to do it."
2. Entitlement: "I shouldn't have to do it."
3. Perfectionism: "I won't try to do it if I can't do it right."

To combat these barriers, individuals should:

• Recognize the Law of Diminishing Intent
• Take action even when feeling scared or unprepared
• Focus on progress rather than perfection

By embracing action and overcoming these common obstacles, individuals can build momentum, develop self-discipline, and ultimately achieve their goals and aspirations.

Last updated: October 26, 2024