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August 26, 2005

TIP #34: Learn to Nibble

Nibbling is a cure (or at least a prophylactic) for procrastination, overwhelming projects, and pages of to-dos. Here's the concept: don't take big bites, take small nibbles.

When you nibble at something you make it disappear bit-by-bit in small chewable portions. The easiest way to nibble is to think: what is the next thing I need to do to move this forward? Not the next big thing (do taxes), but the next small thing (locate receipts). Once that's nibbled, then ask again, what's the next thing I need to do? (Organize receipts). Done. Next? (Update software).

Nibbles are typically 10-20 minutes. They fit perfectly between meetings when you only have thirty minutes before the next one. They work well as motivators when you're not in the mood to do something "hard" or "time-consuming." Knock off a few nibbles and you'll be surprised how that gets you interested in accomplishing more.

When you think about an end product, it may seem overwhelming, but when you think about a nibble, that's easy. Start with nibbles. Fill in gaps with nibbles. And use nibbles to get your motivation going.

Want to be winning at working? Nibble. Nibble. Nibble.

Read Nan's current Winning at Working column: Which Half Are You?

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Posted by Nan Russell at August 26, 2005 10:45 AM