You Don't Need Discipline If You Start Doing This

Olly Staniland
6 May 202408:09

Summary

TLDRThe video script introduces 'crash lists' as a simple yet effective tool for boosting motivation and discipline. It emphasizes the importance of daily actions over long-term goals, highlighting the 80/20 Pareto Principle to focus on quality over quantity. The speaker recommends setting three clear, specific goals related to wealth, health, and mindset, and listing one actionable task for each on a daily basis. The crash list should be on a portable piece of paper to track progress and maintain momentum. As one becomes proficient, they can add more tasks and explore advanced productivity techniques. The video aims to help viewers achieve their goals by taking consistent, manageable steps each day.

Takeaways

  • 📝 The 'crash list' is a simple tool for achieving goals by breaking them down into daily tasks.
  • 🔑 The secret to motivation and discipline lies in actionable daily steps rather than long-term goals alone.
  • 🗓 Success is built on daily and weekly actions rather than just long-term planning.
  • 😟 Many people mistakenly equate busyness with productivity, but they are not the same.
  • 📚 The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of actions, emphasizing quality over quantity.
  • 🎯 Setting clear goals in three areas - wealth, health, and mindset - can help guide daily tasks.
  • 📋 The crash list should be made on a small piece of paper, portable and easy to update as tasks are completed.
  • 📉 Limiting the crash list to three tasks can help beginners focus and build momentum.
  • 🚀 As proficiency with the crash list increases, more tasks can be added and time management techniques can be incorporated.
  • ⏰ The physical act of writing and ticking off tasks on paper can be more effective than digital methods for some people.
  • 💡 The crash list is a beginner-friendly productivity method that emphasizes the completion of tasks over time management.

Q & A

  • What is a 'crash list' and how does it help with motivation and discipline?

    -A 'crash list' is a small piece of paper that contains a daily list of tasks aimed at achieving long-term goals. It helps with motivation and discipline by providing actionable steps to build towards a desired future, making it easier to stay focused and committed to one's goals.

  • Why does the speaker suggest that most people make a mistake when setting goals?

    -The speaker suggests that most people make the mistake of looking at goals in terms of where they want to be in a year or longer, but they often forget that these goals are a result of how they spend their days, weeks, and months. This oversight can lead to a lack of actionable steps and progress towards their goals.

  • What is the 'Pareto Principle' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to productivity?

    -The 'Pareto Principle', also known as the 80/20 rule, states that 80% of the results come from 20% of the efforts. In terms of productivity, it means that focusing on quality actions rather than the quantity of time spent can lead to better outcomes.

  • How does the speaker differentiate between being 'busy' and being 'productive'?

    -The speaker differentiates by stating that being busy does not necessarily equate to being productive. Productivity is more about the quality of actions taken towards achieving goals, rather than the amount of time spent on tasks or activities.

  • What are the three main goals the speaker suggests focusing on for a daily 'crash list'?

    -The speaker suggests focusing on three main goals: one that contributes towards wealth, one that contributes towards health, and one that contributes towards mindset development.

  • Can you provide an example of the speaker's personal 'crash list' for a day?

    -The speaker's personal 'crash list' for a day includes going to the gym, filming a couple of YouTube videos, and finishing reading the fourth chapter of a book by Mark Manson.

  • How should a 'crash list' be physically created according to the script?

    -A 'crash list' should be created on a normal A4 size piece of paper, folded in half three times to make it small enough to fit into a pocket. This allows for easy access and the ability to tick off tasks as they are completed.

  • What is the purpose of making the 'crash list' small enough to fit into a pocket?

    -Making the 'crash list' small enough to fit into a pocket ensures that it can be carried around everywhere, allowing the individual to tick off tasks as soon as they are completed, which can boost dopamine levels and create a snowball effect of momentum.

  • Why does the speaker recommend starting with only three tasks on the 'crash list'?

    -The speaker recommends starting with only three tasks to keep the method simple and effective for beginners. It helps in focusing on the most important actions without overwhelming oneself with too many tasks.

  • How can an individual level up or advance the 'crash list' technique once they become proficient with it?

    -Once proficient, an individual can level up the 'crash list' technique by adding more specific tasks, potentially doubling the number of tasks to six per day, and by optimizing how they spend their time to complete each task more efficiently.

  • What alternative productivity method does the speaker mention as an example?

    -The speaker mentions 'time blocking' as an example of an alternative productivity method that can be used to optimize how tasks are fitted into the day once an individual becomes more proficient with the 'crash list' technique.

Outlines

00:00

📝 The Power of Crash Lists for Goal Achievement

The speaker introduces the concept of 'crash lists' as a tool for maintaining motivation and discipline towards achieving goals. They emphasize that success is not about being busy but about taking quality actions that contribute to one's goals. The speaker shares their personal experience of using crash lists scattered around their living space to build towards a desired future. They highlight the common mistake of setting long-term goals without breaking them down into daily actionable steps. The speaker explains the importance of focusing on daily tasks that align with one's goals and suggests that using crash lists can help individuals take those steps towards their objectives. The video promises to guide viewers through creating their own crash lists with three easy steps.

05:02

🚀 Advancing the Crash List Technique for Enhanced Productivity

In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the effectiveness of crash lists and how they differ from digital task tracking methods. They argue that having a physical list that can be carried around and updated easily is more motivating and effective for building momentum. The speaker recommends starting with three tasks per day, one for each of three key goal areas: wealth, health, and mindset. As individuals become more proficient with the crash list method, they suggest adding more specific tasks and optimizing the time spent on each task. The speaker also touches on the importance of not being too tired and offers a separate resource for learning how to reduce fatigue. The video concludes with an invitation to subscribe for more productivity tips and a teaser for future content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Crash List

A 'Crash List' is a tool mentioned in the script for goal achievement and maintaining discipline. It is a tangible piece of paper that serves as a daily checklist for tasks contributing to long-term goals. The concept is central to the video's theme, emphasizing the importance of daily actionable steps over long-term planning. The creator uses the term to describe their personal system for staying focused and productive, with examples of tasks such as going to the gym, filming YouTube videos, and reading.

💡Motivation

Motivation is the drive or desire to achieve goals. In the script, motivation is linked to the use of crash lists as a means to maintain the momentum towards one's aspirations. It is a key concept because it underpins the entire strategy of breaking down goals into daily tasks, which can help sustain motivation by providing clear, achievable steps.

💡Discipline

Discipline refers to the ability to control one's actions and emotions in accordance with one's goals. The video script discusses how crash lists can instill discipline by providing a structured approach to daily tasks. It is a critical component of the video's message, as it suggests that discipline can be cultivated through the simple act of writing down and completing daily tasks.

💡Productivity

Productivity is the efficiency of an individual's work or the rate at which goals are achieved. The script challenges the common misconception that being busy equates to being productive. Instead, it promotes the idea that productivity is about the quality of actions taken, as illustrated by the 80/20 Pareto Principle mentioned in the video, which states that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts.

💡Pareto Principle

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is a concept that suggests 80% of outcomes result from 20% of causes. In the context of the video, this principle is used to argue for focusing on the most impactful tasks to achieve more with less effort. It is a key concept that supports the video's advocacy for quality over quantity in task completion.

💡Actionable Steps

Actionable steps are specific, concrete actions that can be taken to achieve a goal. The video emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps every day, as opposed to merely setting long-term goals. The crash list is a tool for translating goals into actionable steps, such as going to the gym or filming videos, which are directly related to the individual's objectives.

💡Goal Setting

Goal setting is the process of identifying something that one wants to achieve. The script suggests setting three clear goals that contribute to wealth, health, and mindset. These goals are then broken down into daily tasks on the crash list. Goal setting is integral to the video's theme as it provides a framework for daily action and progress tracking.

💡Wealth

In the script, wealth is one of the three areas suggested for goal setting. It is not just about financial wealth but can also encompass building an online presence or creating a community, as exemplified by the speaker's goal to grow their YouTube channel. Wealth, in this context, is part of a holistic approach to personal development.

💡Health

Health is another key area for goal setting mentioned in the video. The script gives a personal example of the speaker's health goal to achieve a six-pack by summer. Health goals on a crash list can motivate individuals to take daily actions towards improving their physical well-being.

💡Mindset

Mindset refers to a person's overall attitude and perspective. The script emphasizes the importance of setting goals that contribute to one's mindset, such as developing an entrepreneurial mindset or learning to work independently. This concept is tied to the video's theme of personal growth and self-improvement.

Highlights

Crash lists are a simple tool for sticking to goals and building towards a desired future.

Most people make the mistake of setting long-term goals without breaking them down into daily actions.

The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of actions, emphasizing quality over quantity.

Crash lists help to focus on the 20% of actions that lead to 80% of outcomes.

Being busy is often confused with being productive, but they are not the same.

Productivity comes from thoughtful actions, not just being occupied with tasks.

Setting clear goals in wealth, health, and mindset can guide daily actions.

Each day, assign one task for each of the three goals to the crash list.

An example crash list includes going to the gym, filming YouTube videos, and reading a book.

Creating a crash list involves folding an A4 paper into a pocket-sized piece for easy access.

The physical act of ticking off tasks on a paper list can boost dopamine and motivation.

Limiting the crash list to three tasks helps to focus and avoid overwhelm.

Online task tracking may not be as effective as a physical list for beginners.

As you become more proficient with crash lists, you can add more tasks and optimize your time.

Advanced users can look into other productivity techniques like time blocking to further enhance their crash list.

Reducing fatigue can also help in accomplishing more tasks throughout the day.

The video offers a method to help viewers realize what they truly want to achieve in life.

Transcripts

play00:00

this is a crash list and it holds the

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key to unlocking the craziest secret

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about motivation and discipline is that

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this little piece of paper is all that

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you need if you want to stick to your

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goals and I'm not joking when I say that

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I have literally hundreds of these

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scattered all around my flat and I use

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them every day to make sure that I'm

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building towards a future that I want

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the mistake that 99% of people make is

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that they look at goals in terms of

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where they want to be in a year or even

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longer but they forget to realize that

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this is all just a result of how you

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spend your months and how you spend your

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months is just result of how you spend

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your weeks how you spend your weeks is

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really just an average of what you do in

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your days and that's a pretty scary

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thought because if you're spending your

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days wasting time and not doing anything

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that's contributing to your goals but

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reassuring yourself that everything will

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be okay it probably won't be but fear

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not because if you start using crash

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lists then you're going to be doing what

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most people aren't doing and that's

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taking actionable steps every day and

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achieve your goal so grab a pen grab a

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paper and I'm going to talk you through

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the three ridiculously easy steps to

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start crash listing time stamps are down

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below and on screen now but let's get

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right into

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it now this might upset a lot of people

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but I really think that lots and lots of

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people mistake being busy for being

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productive but these are not the same

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thing you don't have to constantly be

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busy to feel like you're being

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productive and this is like the biggest

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reason why I think that most

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productivity tips don't actually work

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for beginners I'm sure that most of you

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have heard of the parao principle but if

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not I'm going to give you a really quick

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overview this is basically the idea that

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that 80% of your results 80% of what you

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achieve is only a result of what you do

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20% of the time so you can actually

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achieve more by doing less but it's the

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quality of the actions that determines

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the quality of the outcomes not the

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amount of time you spend on something

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and that is why the crash list works so

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well to illustrate this let me give you

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an example that I'm sure we can all

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relate to if you're studying for a test

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then I can almost guarantee that 80% of

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the preparation you do is not

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contributing to any of your results so

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if you're sat there you're highlighting

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through your notes you're just rereading

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what you've already read you're color

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coordinating your stationary or you're

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making your desk look pretty obviously

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this isn't actually going to contribute

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to you passing that exam what is working

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is what you're doing 20% of the time and

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testing yourself on the material of the

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exam and once you get the idea straight

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that it's actually the actions that

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determines how productive we are and not

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how busy we are or how much time we

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spend doing something then you will

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already be ahead of 95% of people in the

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same position you are now so the point

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is we need to be thoughtful about what

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we do in our days but how do we do this

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well that is a result of setting three

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pretty clear goals and I suggest that if

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you've never done this before or if you

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have set your goals for a while and want

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to change them or look at redefining

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what's important to you you focus on

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three things the first is a goal that

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contributes towards your wealth the

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second is something that contributes

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towards your health and the third is

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something that contributes towards your

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mindset the more specific you are with

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these goals the easier it will be to

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determine what you have to do in your

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daily crash list so for me the three

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goals I have are as follows I want to

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continue to build this YouTube channel

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and build an online presence where I

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have kind of a trusting community and I

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can give you guys loads and loads of

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tips on how to optimize your life the

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second thing is a little bit shallow but

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I want to continue my health journey and

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yeah by the summer I would like a

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six-pack and the third thing that I want

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to do is I want to keep developing my

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mindset in relation to starting

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businesses eventually looking towards WS

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doing something and working for myself

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so there are the three things that I'm

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focusing on and then each day we put one

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task for each of these goals on our

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crash list that is going to contribute

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to the Future that we want to achieve

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but I want to give you an example of

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what this actually looks like in action

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so I'm going to show you the exact same

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crash list that I'm using today and as

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you can see the first thing on my crash

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list is that I would like to go to the

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gym and I'm actually going to do this

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straight after the second thing on my

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crash list which is to film a couple of

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YouTube videos and the third and final

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thing on my crash list is to finish I

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the fourth chapter of this pretty cool

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book by Mark Manson that I'm reading at

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the minute and yeah basically that's

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what I plan on accomplishing today

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anything else I do is a bonus but if you

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still don't know what goals to pick let

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me know in the comments and I will make

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a whole video on the process that helped

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me realize what I actually want to

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achieve in my

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life now the second thing is actually

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creating the crash list and it's crucial

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that you make it in the right way

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because if you don't none of what what

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I'm about to say is actually going to

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work for you now what you want to do you

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want to grab any like normal A4 size

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piece of paper and fold it in half three

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times now this achieves two different

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things the first is that it is small

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enough so that you can fit this crash

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list into your pocket and you can take

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it with you basically anywhere you go

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and this is crucial because it means

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that as soon as you complete a task you

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can tick it off cross it off straight

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away and this gives you a boost in

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dopamine and it starts this kind of

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Snowball Effect of you completing more

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and more tasks and I can guarantee you

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that once you start to see that you can

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tick off these tasks each and every day

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then you're just going to build this

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amazing snowball of momentum and then

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with that it's going to be so much

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easier to keep doing everything else on

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your list but the second reason the

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crash list worked so well in this kind

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of format is because it limits you on

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how much stuff you can actually write

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now to start with I recommend that you

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only focus on three things one task for

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each of your goals in the last part of

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the video I'm going to talk about how

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you can advance this method once you

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start accomplishing each of the tasks

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pretty easily but trust me to start with

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the less you do the better this method

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is going to work out for you now is a

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kind of final point I have tried to

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track my daily tasks online or on my

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phone actually Ali abdal recommends an

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app called todoist which I've used like

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I used that for about a month but it's

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just not anywhere near as effective as

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having something kind of that you can

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fit in your pocket that you can have in

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your hand like on you at all times and I

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really really think that you guys will

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start to notice the difference if you

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make that switch from your phone to a

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piece of

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paper now the final part of this video

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is all about how you can start to level

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the crash list technique up and this is

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about advancing the method when you're

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kind of a pro it now look the crash list

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is a productivity method for beginners

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to start with it doesn't matter how you

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get your tasks done just that you

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actually finish them now some tasks

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might be a lot quicker than others let's

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say you've just got to make a quick

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5-minute phone call to somebody

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obviously that's going to take a lot

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less time than if you've got to go on an

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hour and a half run on the weekend but

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if you're a beginner like how I was

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before I used this method you've also

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tried so many productivity tips before

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you know things like time blocking

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making your ideal weak the Pomodoro

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Technique They Don't Really Work For

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Beginners because they focus too much on

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this concept of time rather than the

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concept of actions so even though you

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might have an idea of what you want to

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get done and you might even think that

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you're being really really productive if

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you don't have any actions to show at

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the end of the day for all of your work

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you're not actually contributing to your

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future however once you start to nail

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this technique you can start to do two

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things to level up the crash list now

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the first thing is that you can add more

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tasks now the best way I recommend doing

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this is getting even more specific with

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your goals and what that means is that

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you'll start to add two tasks for each

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of your goals and then you'll have six

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tasks on your crash list every day and

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the second thing that you can do if

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you're still finding this easy is that

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you can start to look at how you're

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spending your time and try and optimize

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how you complete each task and this is

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the time where you start to look at

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other productivity tips like I mentioned

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before like time blocking and then you

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can really look at how you can best fit

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in those tasks in your day but remember

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to start with you just want to focus on

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getting these tasks done but another way

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that you can get more things done is

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just simply by reducing how tired you

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are in a day so if you're interested in

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learning about how you can do that check

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out this video here but before I see you

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there make sure you subscribe to the

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channel where you'll get notified where

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we release a new video every week all

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about how you can waste less time and

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spend more time doing the things you

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love so I'll see you all there

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