Part of being highly productive is knowing how to get results–the right results. This is doing what you set out to do, reaching for a stretch goal and making it (or coming sufficiently close). To get the right results, it’s often necessary to reduce friction. That is, to simply or streamline processes–especially those that are complex or time-hungry. However, there is a role for unexpected role for friction: to get your attention.
The idea is to use friction as a tiny little wake-up call, a moment that gets you out of your rut and into a greater awareness of the right-now. Let’s say you have a habit of mindlessly checking your email on your iPhone. To create a greater awareness, and the opportunity to check your email by choice rather than habit, move your app to another screen. Next time you reach for your phone, you’ll have to consciously bring up the proper screen and that moment of thinking about it may be enough pause to allow you to ask yourself, “Do I really want to check email right now?” The answer may be yes, but if not, you’ve made progress in putting the brakes on your habit.
By inserting little moments of friction into your world, you supply yourself with the opportunity to be mindful, improving your ability to choose and respond, rather than merely react.
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