The #1 productivity hack that almost everyone is missing

We're all trying so hard.

Pomodoro timers. Internet blockers. Digital apps and new paper planners. Directing the constant flow of information into shiny second brain holding tanks for future retrieval.

But all of these strategies will only get you halfway there.

Here's why.

They represent an idealized version of goal achievement, like a computer simulation of the perfect face or physique.

What these methods don't take into account is avoidance.

When we're shooting for an important goal, the process is anything but seamless. We're often stuck and confused about what to work on. Stymied by the skills we don't have (and can't take the time to learn). Frustrated by how long everything takes.

And worse, riding the waves of insecurity wondering why everyone else makes it look so easy. All of these struggles and difficult feelings happen OUTSIDE every single productivity system I've ever used. No exceptions.

That's why we keep trying new ones!

Here's what every goal-setting technique is missing: the truth about what's going wrong.

We're encouraged to stay positive and keep our eyes on the horizon. But this does us a disservice.

When you assess the truth of what's happening without lying to yourself or trying to pretty up the situation, something inside of you shifts.

You now have an inkling of your true next step, but it's based on bravery and the bracing wind of simple facts. Not erratic and unsustainable enthusiasm. 

Two years ago, I wondered if I could incorporate the procrastination and dread, the drift and overwhelm I consistently feel with my creative goals into a new approach. Through trial and error and teaching two beta courses, I invented a hybrid journal/planner for failing forward that does just that. 

Step by step, you can walk all the way to the mountain. You just have to regularly check your feet so you don't trip over the rocks.