There are two basic groups when it comes to achievement – doing those things we have never done before, and improving the effectiveness of those things we already do. Today’s post is concerned with the latter. If we could improve everything we do by only a small percentage we would actually see massive change because these changes would multiply together, enhancing each other and really improving our lives.

Whilst its nice to have techniques that apply to specific situations, I also like to have problem solving templates. Basic ways of approaching a problem that will usually work. By adopting the templates idea, you instantly improve your ability to problem solve. Improving tasks and techniques that you already are familiar with is one type of problem.

An example template for improving tasks we already do:

  • Find someone who can do what you do.
  • Find a way to give a metric to what results you both get – eg he earns $1000 a month in comission i earn $800, or he gained 10lbs of muscle, I gained two.
  • Identify what you do differently.
  • Apply it to your own situation, one change at a time
  • Measure the effectivness of the new techniques and reapply the process. Can you find some even better than your previous test subject ?
  • Scale your goals and plan to reach similar levels of attainment over a period of time.
  • Evaluate and change those methods that are not working.

Using this method of observation, adoption and improvement isnt a final solution for self improvment, but it can help you rapidly improve an area of your life. Once the results plateau you will find it harder to keep using this method, but until that point you will probably find that the largest gains you ever make are using the observation, adoption and improvement system. Progress after this method will be slower and take more dedication but as a quick start method I feel it is unsurpassed !