In today's fast-paced world, it has become increasingly important to develop the skill of doing things even when we don't feel like it. In an article titled "Matter | Brain Food: Unthinkable," the author highlights the significance of this practical skill. They argue that anyone can perform a task when it's easy, but it takes true determination and discipline to continue when faced with difficulty.
Hatched by Esteban Tala
Jan 16, 2024
4 min read
5 views
Copy Link
In today's fast-paced world, it has become increasingly important to develop the skill of doing things even when we don't feel like it. In an article titled "Matter | Brain Food: Unthinkable," the author highlights the significance of this practical skill. They argue that anyone can perform a task when it's easy, but it takes true determination and discipline to continue when faced with difficulty.
The key to successfully completing tasks, even when our motivation is lacking, lies in our ability to tell ourselves that we can quit tomorrow, but not today. This mindset shift allows us to overcome the immediate desire to give up and instead focus on the long-term benefits and goals we have set for ourselves. By reminding ourselves that we have the power to quit in the future, we take away the pressure and expectation to perform perfectly in the present moment. This relieves some of the stress and allows us to approach the task with a clearer and more determined mindset.
In another article titled "Focus to Win," the author explores the concept of commitment and its relationship with focus. In a world filled with abundant opportunities, it is easy to fall into the trap of committing to too many things at once, resulting in a lack of focus. Without commitment, it becomes challenging to dedicate our time and energy to a specific task or goal. We become scattered, jumping from one opportunity to another without fully immersing ourselves in any single endeavor.
To combat this poverty of commitment, it is essential to prioritize our goals and identify the tasks that align with them. By consciously choosing what we commit to, we can ensure that our focus remains intact. Limiting our commitments allows us to devote the necessary time and attention to each task, increasing our chances of success.
Combining the insights from both articles, we can see that developing the skill of doing things when we don't feel like it is closely tied to commitment and focus. When we commit to a task, we are more likely to push through the challenges and overcome our lack of motivation. By focusing on one task at a time, we can allocate our resources effectively and achieve better results.
So, how can we put these insights into action? Here are three actionable pieces of advice to help develop the skill of doing things when we don't feel like it:
- 1. Set Clear Goals: Before starting any task, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of why we are doing it and what we hope to achieve. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, we create a roadmap that guides us through moments of low motivation. When we know the purpose behind our actions, it becomes easier to push through the challenges and stay committed.
- 2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Sometimes, the sheer magnitude of a task can be overwhelming, leading to a lack of motivation. To combat this, break the task into smaller, more manageable steps. By focusing on completing one step at a time, we not only make the task seem less daunting but also give ourselves a sense of accomplishment with each completed step. This positive reinforcement can help boost motivation and keep us moving forward.
- 3. Find Intrinsic Motivation: While external rewards and recognition can be motivating, they are often short-lived. To truly develop the skill of doing things when we don't feel like it, we need to tap into our intrinsic motivation. This involves finding personal meaning and enjoyment in the task itself. By connecting the task to our values, passions, or long-term goals, we can cultivate a sense of purpose that transcends temporary motivation. This intrinsic motivation becomes a powerful driving force even when external motivation wavers.
In conclusion, the ability to do things when we don't feel like it is a valuable skill in today's world. By adopting the mindset of quitting tomorrow but not today, we can overcome the immediate desire to give up and focus on our long-term goals. Additionally, committing to fewer tasks and maintaining focus allows us to allocate our resources effectively and increase our chances of success. By setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and finding intrinsic motivation, we can develop this skill and achieve greater personal and professional fulfillment. So, the next time you find yourself lacking motivation, remember that you have the power to do it today, even when you don't feel like it.
Resource:
Copy Link