Imagine you have a genuine passion for drawing. You enjoy it immensely. Now, picture this scenario: every time you create an impressive piece, someone rewards you with a Gold Star.
Initially, you would likely continue drawing just to earn those stars. However, if those stars ceased to appear, your enthusiasm for drawing might start to wane.
This phenomenon occurs because our brains connect the joy of an activity with the joy of receiving rewards. Once the rewards disappear, the enjoyment of the activity diminishes as well.
Now consider this: what if you had to pass an extremely difficult exam to secure a lucrative and low-stress job? You would probably dedicate yourself to studying intensely, wouldn’t you?
So, what stops you from studying right now?
Section 1.1: The Real Hurdle
The truth is, most individuals are aware of the steps needed for success. It’s not overly complicated. There’s a straightforward three-step approach:
Identify the actions required for success.
Remove distractions and concentrate on a single task.
Consistently execute the necessary steps.
Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it?
However, the real issue isn't knowing what to do; it’s actually taking action.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Struggle Against Monotony
Photo by Niklas Hamann on Unsplash
When you finally settle down to work on a task, an overwhelming sense of resistance often arises. It feels almost unfair how powerful this can be, especially for tasks that benefit you, such as studying or exercising.
Wouldn't it be fantastic if we instinctively enjoyed tackling tough challenges?
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on this, and I've discovered a technique that consistently helps me. It’s neither glamorous nor eye-catching, and it may resemble typical self-help advice.
Yet, it’s a fundamental principle that many tips seem to overlook.
Section 1.2: Embracing Boredom as a Solution
The strategy I propose is to welcome boredom. Yes, you read that correctly. The very boredom that leads us to procrastinate is also the key to accomplishing tasks.
When we remove distractions and confront our boredom, we are left with no choice but to engage with the task at hand. It’s a bit ironic, but it’s effective.
Chapter 2: Understanding the Value of Boredom
The first video, "How I Tricked My Brain To Like Doing Hard Things (dopamine detox)," explores strategies for training your mind to embrace challenging tasks.
In this video, the presenter shares personal experiences and practical tips on overcoming resistance and developing a positive relationship with hard work.
The second video, "How to Trick Your Brain into Doing Hard Things," provides insights into psychological techniques that make it easier to tackle difficult challenges.
It delves into the science of motivation and how to reframe your mindset for success.
The Power of Embracing Boredom
You might wonder, “But what if I end up doing nothing?” Research indicates that individuals prefer engaging in some activity—even if it’s unpleasant—rather than facing boredom.
In one fascinating study, participants were left alone in a room with no distractions except for the option of administering mild electric shocks to themselves. Surprisingly, a significant number opted for the shocks over simply sitting in silence. This illustrates our aversion to boredom.
So, if you find yourself hesitating, try this approach:
Turn off your phone.
Close all distracting tabs.
Create an environment where the only option is the task you need to focus on.
My Journey with Boredom
During the pandemic, I found myself confined at home with little to do except work on my projects. It was either that or succumb to boredom.
Consequently, I learned to navigate Facebook ads, develop products, and grasp sales funnels. The absence of options made these tasks appear exciting as they provided an escape from monotony.
This approach may seem extreme, but it proves to be remarkably effective.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you in the next post!
