procrastination

The Resistance takes longer than the Doing

| johnas9000

The Real Time-Waster: Resistance or Action?

Have you ever noticed how the time spent resisting a task often far exceeds the time it would take to actually do it? Call it what you will—stress, friction, apprehension, or even “preparation.” But let’s be honest: more often than not, it’s procrastination in disguise.

Yes, good preparation is important, but I’d bet any amount of money that what most of us are doing is not true preparation. It’s procrastination. We’ve all been there—whether it’s making a cold call for a real estate listing, reaching out to a doctor’s office to sell equipment, or contacting a bar to pitch a product. The actual task takes mere seconds. And yet, many of us spend hours—sometimes even days—dragging our feet before we finally do it.

Nike had it right with their slogan, “Just do it.” But here’s the twist: this mindset applies even more to business than it does to sports. Think about it. How many times have you hesitated on making that first move in a business venture, like buying a piece of real estate? I’m certain that every single person reading this can reflect back on a property or a home they didn’t buy 20 years ago, which has since quadrupled in value.

Here’s an example we can all relate to: taxes. Everyone talks for months about “doing their taxes.” When it finally happens, it’s usually just five minutes of downloading 1099s and a W-2. Yet, we manage to procrastinate so much that some of us end up filing for an extension or even paying a late penalty.

The point of this post is simple: Just do it. Be present to the absolute fact that you waste more time in resistance than you do in the actual doing. Recognize when you’re caught up in the cycle of procrastination, and remind yourself that the task at hand is likely much easier and quicker than you’ve built it up to be.

So, the next time you find yourself hesitating, stop. Take a breath, acknowledge the resistance, and then take that first step. You’ll find that the doing is often far less painful—and far more rewarding—than the resisting.

Act Like an Alcoholic and You Will Be Much More Successful

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Imagine approaching your goals with the discipline of someone committed to recovery, taking it one day at a time. This philosophy isn’t just for overcoming addiction—it’s a powerful strategy for achieving success in any endeavor.

Andrew Huberman’s insights into neurochemistry shed light on this approach. Even the smallest accomplishment triggers a dopamine release, fueling motivation to tackle bigger challenges. It’s a simple yet profound principle: set small goals, achieve them, and build momentum.

Think back to moments when you spontaneously cleaned a counter or tidied up a room. Starting with a tiny task often snowballs into completing the entire job. Harness this natural inclination. Tell yourself, “Just do it,” or “Just start.” The key lies in action; stress only arises from dwelling on what needs to be done.

Whether it’s filing taxes or organizing your home, break tasks into manageable steps. Start with downloading a few documents or cleaning a small area. Notice how each accomplishment boosts your mood and propels you forward.

What if you set multiple tiny goals? Each one adds to your sense of achievement and builds confidence. Embrace the mindset of progress, one step at a time.

Stay in Motion: The Secret to Getting More Done

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Ever noticed how on your busiest days, not only do you manage to get everything done, but you often tackle tasks that have been lingering on your to-do list for ages? It’s a phenomenon encapsulated by the saying, “If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person.” But what if that busy person was you? Here’s why staying in motion can be the key to increasing your productivity.

The Momentum of Motion

1. The Physics of Productivity:

  • Newton’s First Law of Motion: Newton’s first law states that a body at rest stays at rest, and a body in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. This principle doesn’t just apply to physical objects; it can be a powerful metaphor for our productivity.
  • Starting is the Hardest Part: Imagine trying to push a car that’s stalled. It takes significant effort to get it moving, but once it’s rolling, maintaining that motion requires much less energy. Similarly, getting started on tasks when you’re stagnant can feel daunting, but once you’re in the flow, tasks seem to complete themselves almost effortlessly.

2. The Energy of Busyness:

  • Busy People Get More Done: Busy individuals often thrive on their packed schedules. The momentum they build helps them move from one task to the next with minimal friction. It’s the same energy that keeps a rolling car moving forward.
  • Harnessing Momentum: When you’re already in motion—whether it’s tackling work tasks or managing household chores—adding another task to your list feels less overwhelming because you’re already in a productive mindset.

Leveraging Motion in Daily Life

1. Break the Stagnation:

  • Physical Activity: When you feel stuck on a task, taking a physical break can help. Activities like cleaning, organizing, or even a quick walk can rejuvenate your mind and keep you in motion. This aligns with research showing that physical movement can enhance cognitive function and creativity .
  • Avoid Digital Distractions: Conversely, breaks involving passive activities like watching TV or playing video games can lead to time loss and reduced motivation to return to productive work.

2. Transforming Breaks into Productivity:

  • Productive Breaks: Use breaks to accomplish smaller tasks. If you’re stuck with paperwork, a “break” could involve organizing your workspace or doing a quick household chore. These actions keep you in motion and can make transitioning back to your main task easier.
  • Mental Refresh: Engaging in varied activities can refresh your mind. For instance, if you’re tired from mental work, switching to a physical task can be refreshing and maintain your overall productivity.

3. Build a Cycle of Productivity:

  • Daily Motion: Recognize that our productivity levels fluctuate throughout the day. Use periods of high energy to tackle complex tasks and fill lower energy periods with simpler, yet still productive, activities.
  • Routine and Habit: Establishing a routine that keeps you consistently engaged can harness the power of momentum. This might include scheduled work sessions interspersed with physical or lighter tasks to keep you moving.

Applying Physics to Life

1. Self-Assessment:

  • Identify Your State: Are you currently standing still, moving, climbing uphill, or cruising downhill? Being aware of your current state can help you strategize how to use or build momentum.
  • Adjusting Energy Levels: Understand that moving from a state of rest to motion requires more energy. Plan your day to start with tasks that can naturally ease you into a productive state rather than jumping straight into the most daunting tasks.

2. Creating Downhill Moments:

  • Smooth Transitions: Just as a car rolls easier downhill, create conditions that make tasks flow smoothly from one to another. Group similar tasks together to maintain momentum and reduce the cognitive load of switching contexts.
  • Set Up for Success: Prepare your environment to facilitate motion. This could mean organizing your workspace in a way that makes starting tasks easier or creating a schedule that builds on your natural rhythms of energy and focus.

The Psychological Edge

1. The Confidence Boost:

  • Accomplishment Builds Confidence: Completing tasks, especially those that have lingered, can significantly boost your confidence and motivation, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages more productivity.
  • Perception of Busyness: Embracing the perception of being busy can psychologically prime you to tackle more tasks, as it aligns with your identity of being capable and productive.

2. Harnessing Positive Stress:

  • Eustress: Eustress, or positive stress, is the beneficial form of stress that keeps you motivated and focused. Staying busy can generate this kind of stress, pushing you to perform at your best without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Managing Overload: It’s important to balance busyness to avoid burnout. Recognize your limits and ensure you have recovery periods to sustain long-term productivity.

Conclusion: Stay in Motion

Incorporating the principle of motion into your daily life can transform how you approach tasks and productivity. Embrace the idea that staying busy and in motion can lead to accomplishing more, breaking through inertia, and maintaining a productive and fulfilling life. So, if you find yourself at a standstill, remember the physics of motion and take that first step to get rolling.

Sources:

  1. Harvard Health – The benefits of physical activity for mental well-being
  2. Psychology Today – Why Busy People Get More Done
  3. Verywell Mind – The Science of Motivation
  4. Forbes – The Power of Being Busy

By leveraging the concept of staying in motion, you can turn your busiest days into your most productive ones and even tackle those tasks that have been lingering for far too long. So, get moving and let the momentum carry you forward!

4o

Who is Running Your Brain?

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Have you ever paused to consider who’s really in control of your actions and decisions? Is it the thoughtful, goal-oriented part of you or something more primal? The truth is, our brains are complex and often influenced by different aspects of our evolutionary past. To gain control, we need to understand these influences and how they impact our everyday lives.

Evolutionary Hangovers

You weren’t the first human to walk this earth. Our ancestors have been evolving for millions of years, adapting to their environments long before modern civilization appeared. Even if we just go back 10,000 years, our ancestors lived without the refined sugars and digital distractions that dominate our lives today. Despite these changes, our brains still carry the wiring of those ancient times—a relic from our caveman days.

So, why are we letting our “caveman” instincts run our modern lives?

Understanding the Monkey Brain

We often joke about having a “monkey brain,” but there’s truth to it. The term refers to the parts of our brain that are driven by instant gratification and impulsive behaviors. This primitive aspect can drive us to overeat, procrastinate, or seek constant entertainment, even when we have more pressing goals and responsibilities.

Recognizing the Real You

You are not just your primal instincts. You have dreams, ambitions, and the ability to think and plan for the future. Yet, we frequently let our caveman brain take over. This brain urges us to seek comfort in snacks, avoid difficult tasks, and indulge in distractions. But recognizing that this caveman is not the real you is the first step toward change.

The Reality of Modern Hunger

Consider this: when was the last time you were truly hungry? In today’s world, about 80% of people are overweight or obese, while only around 12% are hungry. If you’re reading this, chances are you fall into the 80% who have access to more food than they need. Understanding this context can help us see how our caveman brain’s drive for food is often out of sync with our actual needs.

Awareness as a Tool for Change

Simply acknowledging that your primitive brain is often in control can be enough to initiate change. When I quit smoking, a technique that helped me was writing down my feelings before reaching for a cigarette. This small act of awareness reduced my urges significantly. It’s the same with other habits like snacking. By asking myself what I’m avoiding when I reach for a snack, I gain insight into my impulses.

Simple Strategies to Outsmart Your Primitive Brain

  • Physical Barriers: Placing snacks in a less accessible place, like a high shelf or a different room, can help reduce impulsive eating.
  • The Five-Minute Rule: Most urges, whether for sweets, alcohol, or even anger, don’t last more than five minutes. Commit to waiting it out, and you might find the urge passes.
  • Healthy Alternatives: Stock your house with healthier options like nuts and fruit instead of cookies and ice cream.

Harnessing Your Inner Rebel

Human beings have a natural tendency to resist being told what to do. Think about the times you did the opposite of what your parents or partner suggested, just out of rebellion. Use this instinct to your advantage. Don’t let a caveman or a monkey boss you around. Rebel against these primitive impulses and take control.

Focus on What Really Matters

Remember, you don’t need to check social media, play video games, or watch TV. These are distractions that your primitive brain craves for instant gratification. Instead, focus on what you truly need to do:

  • Finish that report for work or school.
  • Take care of your finances.
  • Pursue that next big client.
  • Improve your health and fitness.

Take Control Back

It’s time to stop letting the caveman and monkey run your life. You have the power to make conscious choices that align with your long-term goals and values. Start by becoming aware of your urges, challenge them, and take small steps towards a more controlled and fulfilling life.

FOMO is in everything

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The concept of FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is typically associated with the anxiety of missing out on social events, opportunities, or the latest trends. However, this fear extends beyond just social or financial contexts. It seeps into various aspects of our lives, subtly influencing our actions and decisions. Let’s delve into how FOMO manifests in the realm of procrastination and other life areas.

FOMO and Procrastination

Procrastination is often seen as a mere avoidance of tasks. Yet, at its core, it can be deeply intertwined with a variant of FOMO—Fear of Missing Something. This form of FOMO can paralyze us with the fear that we’re not fully prepared or that we’re lacking a critical piece of information. Here’s how this fear plays out:

  1. Taxes and Paperwork: The fear of missing a 1099 form. This is a perfect example of how FOMO creates a blockade. The anxiety of potentially overlooking a single detail can lead to delaying the task altogether. This fear is not just about missing out on social activities but about the apprehension of incomplete information or preparedness.
  2. Public Speaking: The hesitation to give a speech due to feeling underprepared can also stem from this fear. The thought that we might be missing a crucial piece of information can stop us from moving forward. It’s the fear that our preparation isn’t sufficient, that we might miss out on delivering the perfect presentation.
  3. Interpersonal Interactions: When we hesitate to call someone because we feel we haven’t gathered enough background information, it’s another example of this nuanced FOMO. It’s the anxiety that we might miss a critical detail that could affect the outcome of our conversation.

Broader Implications of FOMO

FOMO isn’t just about social events or investment opportunities. Here are other ways it can influence our lives:

  1. Career Decisions: Fear of missing the ‘perfect’ job can make us hesitant to apply for or accept roles. We might constantly seek additional qualifications or experience, fearing we aren’t yet ready or missing some key competency.
  2. Personal Growth: We often delay starting new hobbies or learning new skills due to the fear that we don’t have the right resources or enough knowledge. This fear of not having all the necessary components can hinder our personal development.
  3. Relationships: In relationships, FOMO can manifest as the fear of missing out on better opportunities or the perfect partner. This can lead to commitment issues or dissatisfaction with current relationships, driven by the anxiety that something better might be out there.
  4. Health and Wellness: The fear of missing out on the latest diet, exercise trend, or wellness advice can lead to constantly changing routines or never fully committing to a health plan. This can create a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction and insecurity.

Overcoming the Fear of Missing Something

To combat this form of FOMO, we need to:

  • Embrace Imperfection: Understand that perfection is often an illusion. It’s okay to start with what you have and improve along the way. Action breeds clarity and progress.
  • Set Clear Goals: Define what ‘enough’ looks like for each task. This helps in setting realistic boundaries and knowing when you have sufficient information to proceed.
  • Prioritize and Simplify: Focus on the core essentials of what you need to achieve. By narrowing your focus, you reduce the overwhelm that leads to procrastination.
  • Build Confidence Through Action: The more we act, the more we realize that missing a small piece of information rarely leads to disaster. This builds confidence in our ability to handle situations even when not everything is perfectly aligned.
  • Mindful Reflection: Regularly reflect on your decisions and outcomes. This helps to recognize patterns where FOMO might be unnecessarily holding you back and allows for conscious adjustments.

By shifting our perspective on FOMO from a social context to a broader life context, we can begin to see how this fear subtly influences our decisions and actions. Acknowledging it is the first step towards managing it and moving forward with greater confidence and less anxiety.