Sequentiality

As is the case for most things in life, having a word for a particular concept is immensely helpful. That's why today I wanted to share a word with you that I use often to structure how I work: sequentiality.

Put simply, sequentiality means to work on something from start to finish without stopping or being distracted from working on said thing.

So often, in work and life, completing even the most simple of tasks absorb more time and energy than they're worth when we stop-and go, pause-and-reset.

Rather, we can make life (and the tasks and activities we do) easier by working from start to finish without stopping.

Here's how I approach sequentiality:

1. Begin with the end in mind and have a sense of what "done" looks like.
2. Commit to reaching that end without stopping or allowing distractions in.
3. Start SUPER small.
4. Celebrate when you finish what you set out to do.
5. Slowly and incrementally challenge your ability to work with sequentiality.

#3 is important: start small.

• Don't start with trying to write 1,000 words in one session, try writing 50 words without stopping.
• Don't start with trying to read an entire chapter without stopping, try reading a single page.
• Don't start with trying to clean the entire house in one go, aim to clean one small area without moving to another area or stopping altogether.

As you'll find, sequentiality allows you to accomplish more and feel better doing it while also cultivating your ability to focus on what's in front of you and finish what you set out to finish.