Procrastination is something even the most productive of us have to deal with on a daily basis. Here's a simple formula to end it once and for all.
π¨βπ» Action leads to motivation
I used to think you need motivation to get something done, but actually it's the other way around. You get stuff done, and the motivation naturally follows.
As @jeff_haden says: "Motivation is not the cause of action, it is the result of action"
π Stop thinking about motivation
Instead of thinking about motivation, I like to think in terms of discipline. When we are disciplined, we will repeat an action enough so it becomes a habit.
We don't need motivation when it's a habit.
π Momentum carries you forward
Most of the resistance that we feel when doing a task is in the act of starting. As soon as we cross the action line, the pain of procrastination begins to go down.
π΄ Struggling to get started? Try this:
2-minute rule - if a task can be done in < 2 mins, do it now.
5-minute rule - if I'm procrastinating, I have 5 mins to stop.
Mind activation rule - if I can't be bothered to do anything, I'll do something to wake up e.g. drink coffee
If you wanna hear more about my formula to stop procrastinating, I made a video that you're more than welcome to check out π
Or you can get more of these wannabe productivity guru threads by following me, @AliAbdaal
TL;DR
1. Our present self loves short-term, instant gratification 2. Procrastination is all about managing negative moods 3. Motivation is not the cause of action, it is the result of action 4. Discipline is more important than motivation 5. Getting started is the hardest part
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Over the past few years Iβve built a system/framework for remembering everything I read and listen to - here are the 5 apps that make it work π
π§ββοΈ The magic insight logging framework has 3 layers. 1. Consumption layer - the 3 apps I use to gather information 2. Integration layer - the app I use to bring everything together 3. Second Brain - the app I use to organise my life
Here are 5 quotes from stoicism that changed my life + a few lessonsπ
π 1. "Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: some things are within our control and some things are not"
Lesson - I don't set numerical goals in life as I can't control the result. Instead I focus on what is in my control: the process.
βοΈ 2. "It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgements concerning them"
Lesson - we often think negative emotions are caused by external events. But it's actually the story we tell ourselves about the event that makes us feel bad.
These days itβs pretty much impossible to quit your phone. We rely on so many apps in our day-to-day lives.
Hereβs a full list of my favourite iPhone apps that I use pretty much every day π
π @audible_com - one of the best $7.95/month that I spend on anything. Whenever Iβm driving the car, cleaning the house, or getting ready for bed, I listen to audiobooks on 2x speed. Very easy way to use time more productively and make each of these activities more enjoyable.
π€ @JoinClubhouse - if Iβm bringing my phone to bed with me I usually end up talking to my US friends and YouTubers over on Clubhouse. Sort-of like Discord audio rooms with conversations on all sorts of topics. Follow me @AliAbdaal.
Starting a YouTube channel is the single best thing I've ever done in my life.
Here are my top 10 tips on how to get started on YouTube π
π 1. Don't worry about what other people will say - the number one fear people have is always the same: "I'm worried about what my friends and family will think." The truth is, everyone's too worried about their own lives to care what youβre doing.
π·2. Gear doesn't matter at the start - when I started my channel I filmed everything on my iPhone and only bought fancy gear when I decided to take YouTube more seriously. It's like when you're learning to write: it doesn't matter what pen you use as long as you write something.
Last year, I read over 50 books. Here are my Top 15 recommendations from that list π
π₯ A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by @donaldmiller - really, really good book that made me cry (a lot) and also made me reconsider how Iβm living my life. Itβs about changing oneβs story and embracing risk, change, and challenge.
π How to Think More About Sex by @alaindebotton - very insightful book that, I honestly believe, should be read by everyone. On the surface itβs a book about sex but, in reality, itβs about things like human connection, intimacy, and authenticity.
Creating my personal website was one of the best decisions Iβve ever made. It ultimately led to my YouTube channel and making 7-figures online.
So, if you want to set up a personal website hereβs a step-by-step guide (with little or no coding). π
There are 6 main reasons why I think everyone should create their own personal website:
π‘ It helps you develop your own ideas. If you want to become a better writer, thinker, or communicator, creating your own personal website is likely the best way to achieve that.
π It can help you with your professional life. A personal website is a 21st-century version of a CV. Your potential employers will google your name and you can βcontrolβ that search result by having your own website.