Reduce the number of mistakes you make.

If you write out simple procedures and follow them when you do repetitive, boring-but-important tasks then you will make fewer errors. When you make fewer errors you will spend less time fixing errors. When you spend less time fixing errors you will have more time to spend thinking about your difficult challenges, which require judgment. When you spend more time thinking about your difficult challenges, which require judgment, you will make better decisions. 

This process will grow, over time, into the good habit - better judgment.

Does that come across as a rather weak or trite piece of advice...as in, "that goes without saying"?

If so then perhaps a little self-test will convince you of the value in the advice.

For a few days:

1. Track how much time you spend fixing errors, either your own or someone else's, either technical/process or interpersonal/process and
2. Track how much time you spend thinking strategically, weighing various options in your mind, comparing pros and cons then selecting the best course of action

Then you will understand the hidden value in simple technical and interpersonal procedures performed well: judgment is enhanced by procedures.

Footnote

Link to Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Thought Tweet #485 Do you ever wonder about the lines of code that govern the operation of your brain?

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

"Genetic coding - DNA" 

"Mental scripting"

"Formal education and knowledge - ABCs', 'Times Tables', etc"

The key point is: there are single lines of code that govern the operation of the human brain. That does not necessarily mean everything that operates in our brains is governed by 'lines of code'. But, there is no question...single lines of code govern some of the operation of our brains.

And, that's one key to understanding and changing Habits.

Take the time out to think...

Apparently, Julius Caesar said, "Under my tent in the fiercest struggle of war I have always found time to think of many other things."

This, to me, is an example of successful people have more time. 

Now, you can interpret that Julius Caesar quote many ways - as examples:

• He had a unique ability to select topics for his thoughts even under the most-difficult situations.
• He found a way to shut out undesirable noise and distraction so he could think about things important to him.
• He excelled at selecting leaders of men and delegating the actions of war.
• He was a very confident fellow.