Give a recurring demand a plain name

Week 1B · 2 of 8 · 2 min read

A recurring demand can be easier to examine when you give it a plain name. "Checking for a reply" describes something different from "I am always distracted." One names an action; the other makes a broad claim about you.

You can stay with what happened. Perhaps you reopened a message or made another small adjustment to a finished task. This is an observation about a moment, without a label for your character.

One question

How can I name the demand without turning it into a judgment about me?

One small practice

Recall a small request for your attention that came up more than once. Describe the action in ordinary words, such as checking, deciding, or polishing. Leave out words that rate the kind of person you are.

Write: "The recurring demand was ____." You can stop at this description. No explanation, personal verdict, or plan to become more efficient is required.

Use paper or a private note. Nothing needs to be submitted.

Optional private note

Your note stays in this browser.

Give this practice a place in your week.

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Questions people ask

What if I catch myself using a broad label?

You can return to the action you remember. Instead of deciding what the moment says about you, name what you did and what asked for attention. A plain description is enough for the short note on this page.

Does naming the demand mean I have to remove it?

No. The practice asks you to describe a recurring request for attention, rather than decide what to do with it. Some demands will remain necessary. You can leave the note complete without changing the action or its setting.