The-Slight-Edge

136 The Slight Edge
Some like keeping a journal sporadically, but find it difficult to keep up day
in and day out, and instead create a specific, written list of Slight Edge actions
that they consult and check off every day. On days they don’t make time to write
an entry in their journal, they at least go through the list and ask themselves those
questions: In each area of my life, did I do those things that are easy to do, and easy
not to do? Did I continue my momentum on the success curve?
Some would rather talk than write, and prefer to keep track of the day’s
actions out loud, in conversation. You can find a Slight Edge buddy, a friend who
also wants to harness the power of reflection, and schedule a little time together
or on the phone to debrief each other. How did the day go? In each area of my life,
did I ... ? Doing this every day is ideal, but you can still make it work very well
with a twice-a-week call, or even a once-a-week call. The key is consistency; like
the tortoise, steady wins the race.
More and more, people are choosing to achieve a higher level of productivity
through reflection by working with a coach. Only ten or fifteen years ago, most
people thought of “coaching” only in the context of athletics. Then people
realized that they had way better chances of pursuing their fitness goals if they
used a personal trainer.
Soon, high-level business executives started using individual consulting
sessions with productivity consultants to “coach” them in their high-stakes
financial and organizational game. And in the last few years, the dam burst:
people suddenly realized they could hire a coach for anything and everything, and
the field of “personal coaching” exploded as one of the hottest new occupations.
So, what does a coach do? More than anything else, a coach holds up a mirror
and shows you what you’re doing, day in and day out. A coach keeps the Slight
Edge in your face. A coach helps you harness the power of reflection.
Whatever method you choose to use, find some way to make reflection an
everyday thing, day in and day out, without fail.
When what you didn’t improve one day is clear to you and you’re aware
of it, by 10:00 the next morning you’ll be hunting for self-improvements like a
heat-seeking missile. You’ll be reading, listening, associating to and with things
and people that empower you. You won’t be able to help it! You’ll become so
motivated that nothing—nothing—will prevent you from improving.
Harness the Power of Celebration
There is another critical reason the power of reflection is so important. It’s
not just to be a nag and remind you when you’re slacking off. It’s also to point out
to you all the positive steps you’re taking.