Mental habits

Over time I have noticed how productive it can be to spend deliberate time in 4 distinct activity modes: Creating, Thinking, Researching, and Learning.

This seems to work at every scale: from playing with tiny puzzles and problems, investigating ad-hoc ideas, working on personal or commercial projects, to developing long-standing interests.

Although a bit “cute”, it helps to give it a name: CTRLS (Create, Think, Research, and Learn at all Scales).

Within these modes and scales, progress involves 3 phases: Intention, Action, and Completion. Each phase requires different skills. If progress stalls, the solution could involve doubling down on the weak skill.

1. Intention is about determining precisely what I want to achieve. The key skills seem to be about discernment, articulation, and planning.

2. Action is about actually getting things done. The key skills are staying power, self-regulation, and focus. It’s fine to proceed with imperfect information and course correct.

3. Completion is about the “last mile”, often taking a disproportionately amount of time. Here the key skills are fortitude, determination, and resourcefulness.

The naming of these modes, phases, and skills helps me stay self-aware and in control. Imagining them as dimensions and progress as a path within that space helps to keep me empowered and motivated: there is always something I can do to make progress.