"I Don't Feel Like It" is a Mindset for Amateurs - College Info Geek

TL;DR

To overcome “I don’t feel like it,” start the necessary work regardless of motivation and allow your first attempt to be imperfect. Thomas from College Info Geek recommends opening the book, learning just one or two things, or completing a few homework problems to build momentum. Consistent action and a strict schedule turn intention into progress. Read on for practical ways to begin even when you lack willpower.

Transcript

Hey, what's up everybody? I'm Thomas from College Info Geek and with this video I'm going to make it really short because I have one singular purpose, and that is to rip from your vocabulary the words "I don't feel like it". I don't feel like it is a tragically common phrase for people who are students and for people who work in creative fields, an... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 The phrase "I don't feel like it" is often used as an excuse to avoid work, creating a limiting mindset.
• 💦 Professionals adhere to strict schedules and work consistently, regardless of their feelings or inspiration.
• 💦 Giving yourself permission to create imperfect work and starting small can help overcome the "I don't feel like it" mindset.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is “I don’t feel like it” a mindset for amateurs?

The phrase gives you an excuse to avoid work, but it does not actually limit what you can do next. James Clear contrasts amateurs, who wait for inspiration, with professionals, who do creative work on a strict schedule.

Q: How can students work when they do not feel motivated?

Students can decide to study or begin an assignment even when they lack willpower. Not feeling like working does not prevent someone from opening a laptop, typing a paper, or opening a book.

Q: What is the easiest way to start studying when you do not feel like it?

Open the book and make an attempt instead of expecting to learn everything in one session. Learning just one or two things is enough to get started.

Q: How does starting small make homework easier?

You do not need to complete the whole assignment at once; you only need to start. After finishing a few problems and gaining momentum, the rest of the assignment becomes easier to complete.

Q: Why should you give yourself permission to create imperfect work?

Expecting perfect work can make it harder to begin. Writers address this by creating imperfect first drafts, sitting down and writing whatever comes to mind.

Q: What can students learn from professional writers and creatives?

Many professionals follow strict schedules and complete the same amount of work each day, regardless of how inspired they feel. One example describes inspiration as arriving at 8:00 a.m. every day, emphasizing scheduled action over waiting for a feeling.

Q: How does the weightlifting example illustrate this mindset?

Weightlifters go to the gym and work out even when they expect that they will not put up good numbers that day. Their example shows that an imperfect effort still counts as taking action.

Q: What happens when you act consistently despite lacking motivation?

Doing the work, or at least starting, day after day produces progress. That progress would not happen if you repeatedly let “I don’t feel like it” determine your actions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The common phrase "I don't feel like it" is a limiting mindset that hinders productivity and potential.

• Saying or thinking "I don't feel like it" doesn't actually prevent you from taking action; it just gives you an excuse not to do the work.

• Professionals in various fields adhere to strict schedules and do the work regardless of inspiration or feelings.