Hi Reader,

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Specificity improves almost everything.

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When we write down to-do list items, our brains are lazy. We write down single words that are akin to the nags in our heads - "report", or "garage", or "conference".

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What we really need to get momentum is to get clear.

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And what we need to get clear is always two specific things: the next phyical action we need to take (with verbs and extra words so that our brains can picture it happening); and the desired project outcome ("how will we know when it's done?" and what quantity do we need for success). It's the simplest thing in the world. Common sense. But not always commonly applied.

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Getting specific in all kinds of other ways helps us, too.

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When we're delegating, the more specificity there is, the less room for worry, miscommunication or crossed wires.

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When we have dreams and aspirations, they stay in our heads unless we get specific about why they matter to us and how we can achieve them (back to physical actions and project outcomes again).

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In meetings, asking someone to be more specific is often a gift that benefits everyone in the room.

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When we're upset with ourselves or with someone else, the more specific we can be with the naming of it - the more we dig deeper to ask "why?" and "what's behind that feeling?" - the more we can drill into what matters to us and figure out what we need. Specificity with our feelings turns our previous frustrations into future intentions or requests.

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When something's stuck, getting specific if often the key to getting things moving again.

When we need inspiration, specificity is a compass that leads the way.

Specificity is the enemy of procrastination, miscommunication, and vague yearnings that never resolve.

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So this week, I invite you to play with specificity. Bring it to your to-do list, your life goals and your conversations. Be that person who asks more clarifying questions, digs deeper, and spends the time to really understand.

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Have a great week,

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Graham

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