“The Science of How to Proceed—The Science of Progress: A Practical Guide to Goal Achievement, Habit Formation, and AI Utilization (This one is a bit long...)” [Column] The Science of Thought (No. 25)

“The Science of How to Proceed” The Science of Thought: No. 25

—The Science of Progress: A Practical Guide to Goal Achievement, Habit Formation, and AI Utilization

🔍 3 Key Points of This Column

• Deconstruct the causes of “not being able to proceed” and analyze them from the perspectives of psychology and cognitive science

• Utilize goal setting and habit formation techniques to customize a “way of proceeding” that suits you

• Leverage AI and digital tools to optimize your progress and act more efficiently

📌 Introduction: Why Doesn’t What You “Want to Do” Move Forward?

“I have the motivation, but for some reason, I’m not making progress.”

“Alright, let’s do this!” you tell yourself, but before you know it, you’re opening YouTube or scrolling through social media...
“I’ll study today for sure!” you decide, but time slips away while you’re busy tidying up your desk...

This “I have the motivation but I’m not making progress” phenomenon is something everyone has experienced at least once.

“I make plans, but they stop halfway through.”

You get a new notebook and excitedly make a plan.
“If I follow this schedule, I can achieve it perfectly!”

…Or so you think, but three days later, things aren’t going as planned, and before you know it, the plan itself has faded away.
You feel down, thinking, “Why can’t I keep it up?” but as soon as you have a new goal, you end up making another plan.

“I set a goal, but my motivation doesn’t last.”

“I’ll master English this year!”
“I’ll exercise every day and lose 5kg in six months!”
“I’ll update my blog once a week!”

Even though you’ve made a resolution, you might work hard for the first week, but then you slow down in the second week, and a month later, you’ve completely forgotten about it.
“Where did that initial enthusiasm go...?”

What is the “invisible wall” lurking in how you proceed?

In reality, there is a “common invisible wall” behind these phenomena.

That is the fact that you cannot keep moving forward with just “motivation,” “plans,” and “goals.”

• “Motivation” is fickle, and if you rely on it, it disappears in an instant.

• A "plan" alone cannot handle unexpected events, making it easy to give up halfway.

• A "goal" alone often fails to lead to concrete action.

In other words, "motivation," "plans," and "goals" alone are insufficient as a force for progress.

So, how can we smoothly move forward with the things we want to do?
The answer lies in the "science of getting things done.".

In this column, we will explore how to scientifically analyze the "reasons why you can't move forward" and acquire the "power to progress.".

Now, let's break through the "invisible walls of progress" together! 🚀

📌 Chapter 1: Factoring the Reasons Why Things Don't Move Forward

1.1 What is the cause of "not being able to move forward"?

—What is the true nature of "having motivation but not making progress"?

I imagine many people have had the experience of "wanting to do something but not being able to move forward" or "making a plan but stopping halfway."
We tend to think, "It's because my willpower is weak" or "I need to try harder," but in reality, there are unconscious "stoppers" (factors that hinder progress) that prevent things from moving forward.

—Thinking about the reasons for "not being able to move forward" from the perspective of psychology and cognitive science

If we factorize and organize the main reasons why people cannot move forward from the perspectives of cognitive science and behavioral economics, it looks like the following formula.

—The basic formula for a state of being unable to move forward

State of being unable to move forward
= Decision-making load × Perfectionism + Vague goals + Delayed rewards

Now, let's think about the key points of each element!

① The "decision-making load" is too high (Decision Fatigue)

• When there are too many choices, people become unable to act.

• For example, don't you ever lose your energy while worrying about "where to start"?

• ( Example) Work tasks are numerous, and you don't know which one to start with, so as a result, nothing moves forward.

② "Perfectionism" acts as a brake (Perfectionism Paralysis)

• If you are too obsessed with the idea that you "must be perfect,"you will never be able to take the first step.

• Conversely, people who can "just give it a try" are less likely to fall into the trap of perfectionism.

• (Example) You want to start a blogbut you can't get started because you haven't decided on a design or theme.

③ You can't move forward if your "goals are vague" (Unclear Goals)

• If your goals are not concrete, it becomes difficult to break them down into actions.

• It's the same as how "doing 10 minutes of exercise every day" is easier to execute than "I want to lose weight."

• (Example) Instead of deciding to "study English,"it becomes easier to take action if you make it concrete, such as "memorize English words for 10 minutes every morning."

④ Motivation doesn't last if the "reward" is too far away (Delayed Rewards & Motivation)

• The human brain has a nature whereit is difficult to maintain motivation when visible results (rewards) are far off.

• That is why it is important to accumulate "short-term goals" or "small success experiences" where you can get a sense of accomplishment immediately.

• (Example) Results from muscle trainingwill appear in a few months, but if you "do one push-up," you can get a sense of accomplishment immediately.

1.2 Three elements that make up "how to proceed"

If you think about the reasons why you "cannot proceed" in reverse, you can see the elements necessary to move things forward.
They can be broadly divided into three: "Willpower," "Habituation," and "Environmental Factors."

① Willpower

• This is the source of motivation and energy to move forward.

• However,willpower is a "consumable item," so relying on it too much will not last long.

• → The point is to conserve willpower by "doing only the first 5 minutes" or "reducing the number of decisions."

② Habituation

• It is important to create a mechanism that allows you to move automatically without relying on willpower.

• (Example) Make brushing your teeth a habit, and make daily tasks feel like second nature.

• → By "setting a trigger" and "creating a routine," habit formation becomes smoother.

③ Environmental Factors

• When you set up an environment that makes it easy to proceed, you will naturally be able to take action.

• (Example) Turning off smartphone notificationscan sometimes improve your concentration.

• → It is important to "create an environment where you can start what you need to do immediately."

1.3 Understanding Your "Thinking Habits" for Progress

The pattern of how one "finds it easy to proceed" varies from person to person.
First, it is important to know your own "habits for progress."

――Diagnosis of 4 "Habits for Progress"

• Planner Type

  • Characteristic: A type that carefully makes plans before proceeding

  • Common struggle: Getting stuck in planning and being slow to take action

  • Tip for progress: Be conscious of "letting go of perfectionism and just getting started"

• Intuitive Type

  • Characteristics: A type that acts on inspiration and feelings

  • Common Struggles: Because they act on impulse, they often don't last long

  • Tips for Progress: "Develop a habit of reflection and proceed while making course corrections"

• Trial-and-Error Type

  • Characteristics: A type that tries things out first and learns as they go

  • Common Struggles: Their direction tends to waver, and they easily get lost

  • Tips for Progress: "Set small goals and visualize your progress"

• Impulsive Type

  • Characteristics: A type that proceeds suddenly and explosively

  • Common Struggles: Poor at consistency, gets bored halfway through

  • Tips for Progress: Set small rewards to keep motivation going

→ Which type are you?
→ By knowing the way of proceeding that suits your "habits," you will be able to move forward more smoothly!

Summary

✅ The reason you "cannot proceed" is not a lack of willpower, but because of your brain's "stoppers"
✅ "Decision-making load," "perfectionism," "vague goals," and "rewards that are too far away" hinder progress
✅ To get things done, three elements are important: "willpower," "habit formation," and "environment"
✅ By knowing your own "habits of proceeding," you can find the appropriate method

📌 Chapter 2: The Science of How to Get Things Done - What Makes Successful People Different?

2.1 The "Golden Rule of Progress" Practiced by Successful People

--Successful people do not rely on "willpower"

It is often thought that "successful people have strong willpower" or "have special talents," but in fact,the more successful a person is, the more they use "ingenuity in how they proceed" that does not rely on willpower. In other words,
setting up a "system that allows you to proceed" and creating an "environment where you can continue"is the key to success.

So, what kind of methods do they specifically use? Let's look at the "Golden Rule of Progress" common to successful people such as historical figures, modern business leaders, and artists.

① "Start small"

• Do not wait for perfect preparation. Just start anyway.

• If you can take the "first step," things often proceed naturally.

• (e.g., Steve Jobs started making the first Apple products in a garage.)

🔹 Practical Tips

✅ Introduce the 'do it for just 5 minutes' rule.
✅ Incomplete is okay! Try releasing it at '80% completion'.

② Reduce 'decision fatigue'

• The human brain makes tens of thousands of decisions a day, and each decision consumes energy.

• Successful people reduce the 'number of decisions' they make and use their energy for what is truly important.

• (e.g., Former President Obama wore similar suits every day so he wouldn't 'spend time choosing clothes'.)

🔹 Practical Tips

✅ Create a system to 'routinize' actions so you can perform them without thinking.
✅ Decide on 'priority rules' in advance.

③ 'Visualize progress'

• Successful people understand that the 'feeling of moving forward' boosts motivation.

• (e.g., Haruki Murakami recorded the 'number of characters written' every day to visualize his progress.)

🔹 Practical Tips

✅ Make 'moving forward' visible. (e.g., putting checkmarks on a calendar, keeping a progress notebook)
✅ Be conscious of 'a sense of achievement' and stack up small successes.

2.2 Learning from History: The Evolution of 'How to Proceed'

— 'Styles of proceeding' that change with the times

How we proceed has changed significantly due to technological development and historical context.
Here, let's look back at some historical ways of proceeding.

① 'Craftsman-style' approach (Middle Ages to pre-Industrial Revolution)

• Characteristics: Become an apprentice and spend a long time mastering the technique.

• Pros: You acquire high-level expertise.

• Cons: It is time-consuming and lacks flexibility in how you proceed.

② "Planning-based" approach (Industrial Revolution to 20th Century)

• Features: Create long-term plans and manage processes while proceeding.

• Pros: Allows for organized and efficient progress.

• Cons: Vulnerable to change and difficult to revise plans.

③ "Agile" approach (21st Century to present)

• Features: Proceed flexibly by testing in small units.

• Pros: Resilient to change and allows for progress through trial and error.

• Cons: If the long-term perspective is lost, the direction is prone to drifting.

→ The approach required in the coming era is a balance between "Planning-based" and "Agile" methods!

2.3 What is the optimal "way to proceed" in the AI era?

――To an era where AI supports how we proceed

Currently, AI technology is developing, and our "ways of proceeding" are entering a new phase.
AI is already beginning to be utilized in fields such as schedule management, task management, and decision-making support.

――The future of "ways of proceeding" utilizing AI

✅ AI suggests the optimal task order. (Reminders, schedule management)
✅ AI analyzes "your habits of proceeding" and suggests the optimal strategy.
✅ Toward an era where AI and humans "co-create" and evolve how we proceed.

→ The "future of how we proceed" may hold the key to collaboration with AI!

Summary

✅ Successful people utilize "mechanisms for progress" rather than "willpower."
✅ "Start small," "reduce decision fatigue," and "visualize progress" are the golden rules.
✅ The "way of proceeding" changes with the times, and today, a balance between "planning-based" and "agile" approaches is required.
✅ A future where AI supports how we proceed is coming.

📌 Chapter 3: The Academic System of Progress — Thinking of "How to Proceed" as a Discipline

3.1 Taxonomy of Progress — What Does It Mean to Proceed?

By thinking of "how to proceed" as a discipline, we can approach its essence.
What does it mean to "proceed"? How should we proceed? By understanding and organizing various perspectives on how to proceed, we can find more practical and effective methods.

In fact, there are various types and kinds of ways to proceed, and each has an approach suited to it. Here, I will classify how to proceed into six categories.

——Six types for classifying how to proceed

1. Plan-Driven (Planning-Based)

   • Characteristics: Create a detailed plan first and proceed step by step.

   • Suitable Situations: Large-scale projects or long-term goal achievement.

   • Examples: Construction projects, research and development, business strategy.

2. Intuition-Driven (Intuitive Type)

   • Characteristics: Moving forward based on feelings and inspiration.

   • Suitable Situations: Creative work that requires flexibility.

   • Examples: Art production, startup launches, design work.

3. Trial-and-Error (Experimental Type)

   • Characteristics: Trying things out first and learning from the results as you go.

   • Suitable Situations: New approaches in unknown territories.

   • Examples: Research, marketing experiments, software development (Agile development).

4. Forced Trigger Type (Deadline-Driven)

   • Characteristics: Progressing while being driven by deadlines or time limits.

   • Suitable Situations: Work with fixed delivery dates or urgent tasks.

   • Examples: Film production, publication deadlines, exam preparation.

5. Risk Management Type (Risk-Driven)

   • Characteristics: Prioritizing the minimization of risks and proceeding with caution.

   • Suitable Situations: Crisis management or high-risk decision-making.

   • Examples: Financial transactions, disaster response, product quality control.

6. Environment Optimization Type (Environmental Type)

   • Characteristics: Proceeding by organizing physical and social environments.

   • Suitable Situations: Habit formation and daily productivity improvement.

   • Examples: Dieting, forming exercise habits, and improving workplace environments.

3.2 The Interdisciplinary Nature of "How to Proceed" — What Fields Are Involved?

When considering "how to proceed" as an academic discipline, it does not remain within a single field but deepens through intersection with various academic areas.
Here, let's look at how "how to proceed" relates to other academic fields.

-- How to Proceed x Cognitive Science

Much of "how to proceed" relates to cognitive issues such as "Why can't people move forward?"

• Cognitive Load: Humans have the characteristic of finding it difficult to proceed with multiple things at once. Therefore, "single-task" or "minimum-task" approaches are proposed as easier ways to proceed.

• Decision Fatigue: Because the power to make decisions weakens when there are too many choices, it is important to reduce the number of decisions to make progress.

-- How to Proceed x Behavioral Economics

Behavioral economics studies human irrational decision-making. In terms of how to proceed, we can be influenced by "loss aversion" and "immediate rewards."

• Immediate Rewards: To move forward with actions, it is effective to set "immediate rewards" for goals. For example, in dieting or studying, rewards after achieving small goals are effective.

• Planning Fallacy: We often fail to predict that we "cannot proceed as planned" and become overconfident. Things rarely go exactly as planned, so a way of proceeding that always allows for revisions and flexibility is required.

-- How to Proceed x Sociology/Psychology

How to proceed is also influenced by social factors. For example, by utilizing methods of proceeding as a team or the power of the group, it becomes possible to achieve things that are difficult to accomplish individually.

• Social Influence: The opinions and actions of others significantly influence how we proceed. Especially when working in teams or groups, we must consider how to maximize the power of the group while avoiding the risks of groupthink.

• Motivation Theory: Psychologically, there are many important elements to 'how to proceed,' such as how we set goals, how we perceive a sense of accomplishment, and how we maintain motivation.

—How to Proceed × Technology & AI

In the modern era, methods that utilize technology and AI are gaining attention. AI supports our processes, streamlining our decision-making and task management.

• AI-Powered Support: AI-driven schedule management and task prioritization assist in how we proceed. For example, Google Calendar and To-Do list apps help us manage tasks optimally.

• Automation and Optimization: By having AI automate daily procedures, we can focus on more important work.

3.3 What are the benefits of learning 'Methodology Studies'?

What benefits can be gained from learning methodology studies?
Here, we introduce some practical benefits of learning methodology studies.

① Achieve goals efficiently

By learning how to proceed, you can acquire methods to move efficiently toward your goals.

• You can discover the approach that suits you best and move toward goal achievement while eliminating waste.

② Increase consistency

By learning methodology studies, you can learn tips for moving from planning to continuous execution.

• Consistency is key to achieving goals. Learning how to proceed builds the strength to maintain long-term efforts.

③ Easier to achieve results

By practicing methodology studies, it becomes easier to find the optimal approach for any goal.

• By accumulating small successes, you can ultimately achieve significant results.

Summary

✅ 'How to proceed' can be classified into six types: planning-oriented, intuition-oriented, trial-and-error, risk-management, and environment-optimization.
✅ Methodology is evolving in connection with various fields such as cognitive science, behavioral economics, sociology, and AI.
✅ Learning methodology studies leads to efficient goal achievement, consistency, and high-level results.

📌Chapter 4: Practice of Methodology — Strategies and Techniques for Goal Achievement

4.1 The Science of Goal Setting — Building the Foundation for Successful Progress

— Why does "how you set goals" affect your progress?

Having goals is important for getting things done, but did you know that the ease of making progress changes significantly depending on how you set your goals?
Appropriate goal setting has a major impact on maintaining motivation, clarifying actions, and managing progress.

— Three Approaches to Goal Setting

Here, I will introduce three representative methods of goal setting.

① SMART Goals

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Example: "I want to be able to speak English" → "Practice English conversation for 30 minutes every day for 6 months"

✅ Because you can set clear goals, it becomes easier to take action.
❌ It lacks flexibility and can be difficult to change midway.

② OKR (Objectives and Key Results)

OKR is a goal-setting method that combines Objectives and the Key Results needed to achieve them.

• Example: "Improve team productivity" → "Reduce weekly meeting time by 30 minutes," "Increase task management tool usage rate to 80%"

✅ Effective as a goal-setting method for teams and organizations.
❌ It may not be suitable for individual goals.

③ Do Something (Behavioral Approach)

This approach is based on the idea of setting "doing something first" as the goal.

• Example: "Go on a diet" → "Do 5 minutes of stretching every morning"

✅ You can start taking action no matter what.
❌ Not suitable for long-term goal management.

→ It is important to determine which goal-setting method suits you best!

4.2 The Magic of the "First 5 Minutes" — A Trigger to Start Taking Action

— The "first 5 minutes" is the biggest hurdle

When starting something, the hardest part is the "first step."
Many of you have likely experienced that things go surprisingly smoothly once you actually start, haven't you?

-- The "Do it for just 5 minutes" technique

• When you feel "unmotivated" or "it's a hassle," deciding to "just do it for 5 minutes for now" often leads to you continuing on surprisingly easily.

• This is due to the effect known in psychology as "work excitement," where once you start working on something, your brain begins to feel like it wants to do more.

✅ Example: If you want to build a reading habit
Instead of "read one book a day," decide to "open the book for just 5 minutes a day."

✅ Example: If you want to build an exercise habit
Instead of "run for 30 minutes," decide to "put on your running shoes and go outside."

4.3 Secrets to a Foolproof Approach

-- The biggest enemy of "getting things done" is "perfectionism"

When you think "I have to do everything perfectly," you often end up stopping halfway through.
It is important to have a mindset of "proceeding while experimenting" rather than seeking perfection.

-- 3 points for avoiding failure

① Risk hedging techniques based on the "assumption of failure"

• Unexpected events are always a part of any process.

• By considering the possibility of failure in advance and preparing countermeasures, you can proceed with peace of mind.

• Example: "I might get bored halfway through" -> "If I get bored, I'll switch to a different method"

② Create a "recovery plan"

• In case your plans go awry along the way, thinking of alternatives can prevent you from giving up.

• Example: "If I can't study in the morning, I'll do 10 minutes during my lunch break"

③ Utilize "progress visualization" and "feedback loops"

• By making your progress visible, you can maintain your motivation.

• Example: "Put a checkmark on the calendar," "Keep a diary," "Post your progress on social media"

4.4 Techniques for Customizing Your Own Way of Proceeding

So far, I have introduced various strategies and techniques for how to proceed, but the important thing is to find the way of proceeding that suits you.

--Recommended Strategies by Type of Approach

• Planner Type

  • Recommended approach: Manage by breaking down goals into small pieces

  • Tips for making it easier to proceed: Let go of perfectionism and focus on just getting started

• Intuitive Type

  • Recommended approach: Take action immediately when you think of something you want to do

  • Tips for making it easier to proceed: Develop a habit of reflection and adjust your approach as you go

• Trial and Error Type

  • Recommended approach: Try it first, then proceed while making adjustments

  • Tips for making it easier: "Accept feedback and repeat small improvements"

• Impulsive Type

  • Recommended approach: Proceed all at once when motivation is high

  • Tips for making it easier: "Set small rewards to encourage consistency"

→ Choose the method that suits your way of working and put it into practice!

Summary

✅ Since "goal setting" greatly influences how you proceed, it is important to choose a method that suits you.
✅ By doing just the "first 5 minutes," you can lower the hurdle for taking action.
✅ Thinking with the "assumption of failure" and preparing a recovery plan makes it easier to continue.
✅ You can increase your success rate by choosing a strategy that matches your type of approach.

📌Chapter 5: The Future of Progress — How AI and Technology Change the Way We Work

5.1 How to Proceed in the Era of Collaboration with AI

——How will the "future of progress" change?

In the previous chapters, we learned how to enhance our "power to proceed" by setting our own intentions and environment. However, in the modern age where technology is evolving, an era has arrived where we can proceed with things more smoothly by utilizing AI and digital tools.

For example, task management, schedule adjustment, and decision-making support are being optimized by AI. The future of how we get things done will likely be based on collaborating not just with humans, but with AI.

—How will AI change the way we get things done?

AI can support the way we get things done in the following ways.

① "Optimization of progress" by AI

• AI analyzes past data and suggests a "way of doing things that suits you."

• Example: "Based on your behavioral patterns, it is best to do creative work in the morning."

② AI automatically manages schedules and tasks

• An AI assistant automatically organizes "what needs to be done today" and prioritizes it.

• Example: "This task can be done more efficiently in the morning than in the afternoon."

③ AI reduces "decision fatigue"

• AI provides support to reduce the burden of decision-making in how you proceed.

• Example: "For this project, based on past success stories, this method is the best."

④ "Progress management" and "motivation maintenance" by AI

• AI visualizes progress and provides feedback.

• Example: "You achieved 80% of last week's goal! Let's think about the next steps together."

→ By utilizing AI, the way we get things done will become more "individually optimized," making it easier for humans to focus on creative work!

5.2 Actual tools where AI supports the way we get things done

Many tools that support "ways of getting things done" using AI have already appeared.

① Task management & schedule optimization

• Notion AI: Supports writing and task organization

• Sunsama: Optimizes daily schedules and suggests how to proceed with tasks

• Google Calendar AI: Automatically adjusts meetings and schedules

② AI that supports goal achievement

• RescueTime: Analyzes how much time is spent on which tasks and suggests improvements

• Fathom AI: Automatically summarizes meeting content and organizes next steps

③ AI-powered decision support

• ChatGPT / Claude AI: Supports brainstorming and decision-making

• Xembly: Automatically takes notes and suggests next actions

→ By utilizing these tools, you can evolve your "way of proceeding" more smoothly!

5.3 Division of Roles Between AI and Humans — What AI Should Handle and What Humans Should Handle

In a future where AI supports how we proceed, it becomes important to distinguish between "what to leave to AI" and "what humans should do."
So, what kind of division of roles can we specifically consider?

――【What AI is good at】

✅ Schedule management and task organization → Creating the optimal schedule
✅ Data analysis and pattern recognition → Suggesting the best way to proceed based on past data
✅ Automation of simple tasks → Reducing repetitive work and creating an environment where humans can focus on creative tasks

――【What humans should do】

✅ Creative thinking and brainstorming → While AI can make suggestions based on data, creating new value is the human role
✅ Decision-making involving emotions → Human relationships and ethical judgments are areas that should be handled by humans
✅ Determining goals and direction → AI optimizes the "method," but it is humans who decide "what to aim for"

→ The ideal future is one where "AI thinks of the optimal way to proceed, and humans make the final decisions"!

5.4 The Future of Progress — The "Evolution of How to Proceed" Needed for the Coming Era

① Methodology is 'Individually Optimized'

• With AI, individual methodologies are optimized based on data.

• To an era where AI proposes 'the methodology that suits you'!

② AI also adjusts team methodology

• AI manages the methodology of the entire team and optimizes 'who should do which task'.

• Could an era be coming where 'optimal role distribution' is decided automatically?

③ 'Collaboration' between AI and humans becomes a new form of methodology

• Humans set goals, and AI supports the methodology.

• To an era of utilizing an 'AI partner for methodology'!

Summary

✅ An era is coming where we can proceed with things more smoothly by having AI support our methodology.
✅ AI reinforces our 'ability to proceed' through task management, schedule optimization, and decision-making support.
✅ It is important to clarify the division of roles between AI and humans, distinguishing between 'what to leave to AI' and 'what humans should do'.
✅ Future methodology will move in the direction of being 'individually optimized' while AI and humans cooperate.

📌Final Chapter: Applying the 'Science of How to Proceed' to Your Life

6.1 Incorporating 'Methodology Studies' into Daily Life

So far, we have considered 'the study of how to proceed with things' from scientific perspectives, practical techniques, and even future methodologies that involve collaborating with AI. Now, let's reorganize
'how to apply this learning in real life?' and think about concrete methods to make your way of proceeding smoother.

① Understand and utilize your 'habits of proceeding'

• Which type of methodology do you have?

  • Planner Type / Intuitive Type / Trial-and-Error Type / Impulsive Type

• By practicing the optimal way of proceeding that suits each individual, you will be able to get things done without strain.

✅ Example: When a 'planner type' person changes their approach

• Instead of waiting for a 100% complete plan, focus on 'starting to move at 80% for now'.

✅ Example: When an 'impulsive type' person practices a way to keep going

• Prepare 'small rewards' in advance for when your motivation drops.

→ 'Knowing your habits for getting things done' is the first step to improving your ability to move forward!

② Make 'starting small' and 'doing it for just 5 minutes' a habit

• 'The first step is hard' is a challenge common to everyone.

• By 'doing it for just 5 minutes,' you trigger work excitement and become able to proceed smoothly.

• 'When you don't feel like doing it, start by going through the motions' is also effective

  • Example: 'If you can't keep up with exercise, just putting on your sneakers is enough'

✅ Practical points

• Do not aim to 'do it perfectly,' but focus on 'just starting'.

• Lowering the hurdle to proceed and increasing the number of times you do it is the key!

③ Make 'visualizing progress' a habit

• When you can see what you have accomplished, a sense of achievement is born, making it easier to continue.

• Choose a method that suits you, such as 'checking off a calendar,' 'keeping a progress notebook,' or 'managing it with an app'.

• Sharing with friends or on social media is also effective

  • By "sharing today's progress," you can receive feedback from those around you, which can further boost your motivation.

✅ Key points for practice

• Build a habit of consistency by stacking small successes.

• When you have a "sense of progress," your motivation naturally continues!

④ Utilize AI and technology as a "partner in how to proceed"

• AI and digital tools are powerful allies that support how you proceed.

• In the coming era, it will be important to master more efficient ways of proceeding while utilizing AI.

✅ Specific ways to utilize them

• Use task management apps (Notion, Sunsama)

• Analyze your own behavior with time management tools (RescueTime)

• Get advice on how to proceed from AI assistants (ChatGPT, Google Assistant)

→ By "collaborating with AI," it becomes possible to proceed more smoothly than ever before!

6.2 How does the "Science of How to Proceed" change your life?

Through the learning so far, let's consider what kind of changes occur in life by being conscious of "how to proceed."

① The precision of goal achievement increases

• By devising "how to proceed," you will be able to achieve your goals efficiently.

• It is important to proceed using a method that suits you, rather than just working blindly.

✅ For example

• “How to succeed at dieting”

• “How to achieve career advancement”

• “How to acquire new skills”

→ “Goal achievement requires strategy!” The key to this is the “science of how to proceed.”

② You can live a life that “doesn't rely on motivation”

• By utilizing knowledge of the methodology of progress, you can reduce situations where you “can't do it because you lack motivation.”

• By setting up your environment, building habits, and utilizing AI, you will acquire the ability to move forward without relying on willpower.

✅ For example

• “Deciding on a time in advance to keep up with studying”

• “Working with a friend to make exercise a habit”

• “Utilizing an AI assistant to increase work efficiency”

→ “Creating a system that allows you to proceed even without motivation” leads to long-term success!

③ The “power to move forward” expands your life's options

• By acquiring the power to move forward, you will be able to actively take on challenges you “want to do.”

• The techniques of how to proceed are useful in every aspect of work, learning, hobbies, and life.

✅ For example

• “I want to take on a new challenge, but I don't know how to proceed...” → “Start small and proceed through trial and error”

• “I only plan but can't take action...” → “Try doing it for just 5 minutes first”

• "I tend to give up halfway..." → "Visualize progress and make it a habit"

→ If you have the "power to move forward," the possibilities for your future will expand!

6.3 To you who have learned the science of how to proceed

By learning and practicing the "science of how to proceed,"your ability to achieve goals and maintain consistency should improve significantly.
Finally, let's review your own "way of proceeding" and think about how to utilize it in the future.

――Let's create your own "Progress Plan"

• STEP 1: Understand your own "habits of proceeding"

• STEP 2: Choose "techniques for proceeding" you want to try

• STEP 3: Utilize "AI and digital tools"

• STEP 4: "Visualize progress and continue"

• STEP 5: "Improve your way of proceeding and make it a habit"

✅ "What kind of way of proceeding would you like to try?"
✅ "Which type of way of proceeding suits you best?"

Please try creating your own "Progress Plan" and putting it into practice!

Summary

✅ Utilizing the "science of how to proceed" increases the precision of goal achievement and makes it easier to continue.
✅ By acquiring a "way of proceeding that doesn't rely on motivation," it becomes easier to form habits.
✅ By enhancing your power to move forward, your life's options expand.

Afterword

A single "way of proceeding" can significantly change our lives and work.
By designing how we proceed from a scientific perspective, rather than relying solely on "motivation" or "talent," we can achieve consistent results.

This column was written while utilizing ChatGPT. By borrowing the power of AI for information organization and text generation, I was able to balance logical structure with practical ideas.

We live in an era where we explore the "optimization of how to proceed" together with AI.
Let's utilize technology to find a way of proceeding that suits us and build a better future.

Please feel free to share your own "tips for proceeding" in the comments section!