How I tricked my brain to like doing hard things

TL;DR

Learn how to find consistency in going to the gym by shifting your mindset and finding enjoyment in the process, as well as utilizing habit-bunching to develop positive associations with the gym.

Transcript

• So for the majority of my life, I struggled to go to the gym consistently, even though the gym has always been a part of my life to some degree. I grew up playing hockey and all my brothers played hockey and went to the gym. So going to the gym was always the right thing to do. But I could never stay consistent. Even into university, sometimes I'... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥅 Visualizing an end goal can lead to disappointment and lack of motivation when it comes to going to the gym.
• 🎁 Finding fulfillment and enjoyment in the process and present moment can generate its own motivation.
• 🤪 Adopting an abundance mindset can remove resistance and make going to the gym feel more natural.
• ❓ Habit-bunching can be used to develop positive associations and make the habit feel more enjoyable.
• 🥳 Goals are important for creating direction, but focusing too much on them can be unhelpful in the day-to-day struggle of doing something difficult or boring.
• 🤩 Embracing the process and finding pleasure in the activity itself is key to consistency and enjoyment.
• 🖐️ Many successful musicians, athletes, and performers operate from a mindset of enjoyment and playing rather than practicing.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is visualizing an end goal problematic when trying to find motivation for going to the gym?

Visualizing an end goal can create a disparity between the fantasy and the reality of going to the gym. The actual experience is often strenuous, sweaty, and sometimes boring, which can lead to disappointment and a lack of motivation.

Q: Is it bad to have goals in general?

Goals are important for creating direction, but when it comes to the day-to-day struggle of doing something difficult or boring, focusing too much on the end goal can be unhelpful. Instead, finding enjoyment and fulfillment in the present moment and the process itself can generate its own motivation.

Q: How can an abundance mindset help in developing consistency in going to the gym?

An abundance mindset involves seeing yourself as already having what you desire, rather than feeling like you need to obtain it. This shift in mindset can remove mental resistance and make going to the gym feel more natural and aligned with who you are.

Q: How can habit-bunching be used to develop positive associations with the gym?

Habit-bunching involves pairing an existing habit that you enjoy, such as drinking coffee or listening to music, with the habit you are trying to develop, such as reading or going to the gym. This creates a positive association and makes the habit feel more natural and enjoyable.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author struggled with consistency in going to the gym for most of their life, but has recently developed a successful routine by changing their mindset.

• They realized that relying on visualizing an end goal can lead to disappointment and boredom, as the actual experience is often different from the fantasy.

• By embracing the process and finding fulfillment in the present moment, rather than focusing on the end goal, they were able to develop consistency and enjoyment in going to the gym.