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Pull Your Own Strings
Published over 1 year ago • 3 min read
Issue #57
We have less control of others than we think, and more control of ourselves than we realise.
Pull Your Own Strings
Motivation is purely a matter of emotion until the day you decide to change how you think. We look at a task and ask ourselves, “Do I want to do that? Can I be bothered?”
Between the requirement and the action there is a decision process that tests the temperature of our feelings before letting us do anything.
"Meh!" is the most destructive word in the English language
Get that decision process out of the way and you get access to the most powerful tool ever discovered by humanity: consistent effort.
We use our feelings as a quick way to decide whether a task is worth it or not.
It saves us having to do a pros and cons spreadsheet every time someone suggests going to the movies.
Vaping with homocidal maniacs is considered a bad habit
But an even quicker way to decide, and one which can be more easily focused on real achievements is habit.
Here are five ways to avoid relying on motivation and get a habit going;
1. Focus on discipline, not feelings
Discipline kicks in when motivation fades. You don’t skip brushing your teeth because you’re not “feeling it,” right? We feel in control when we exert discipline.
2. Stick to your routine
Helga's routine involves pulling down at least one building a day.
Your routine is your safety net.
When motivation’s low, just follow the steps you’ve already set up.
It’s easier to act when the path is clear and predetermined.
3. Revisit your “why”
Remind yourself why you started in the first place. What’s the end goal? Keeping that in mind can help reignite the fire when things get tough.
4. Break it down
If things feel overwhelming, simplify. Focus on the next small step, not the entire mountain. Actions create momentum, and they build into habits.
That's not what I meant by "break" is it, Paul?
5. Take a break if needed
Burnout can kill your goals.
Sometimes, stepping away for a bit can recharge you, but set a limit and get back to it.
All habits are kicked off by triggers. They are all around us already - the theme tune to your favourite tv programme, the smell of fresh coffee, the alerts on your phone.
Here is how you can set them up for yourself, so you control your focus.
Start with routines, doing the same thing, at the same time each day. Could be as basic as making coffee or writing out a to-do list.
Your environment matters. Have a space that’s just for working, and it’ll trigger you to get serious.
Clothing? Yes, it matters. Dressing up can make you feel more professional and ready to focus.
Dave is more of a chilled out entertainer than an IT manager.
Smells, sounds, and objects can be cues too. Use specific scents, or a certain pen, to signal it's time to work.
Time-blocking helps. Set clear times to work and stop. It’s like giving your brain boundaries. Here's a helpful video I made.
Break tasks down so they don’t feel overwhelming. Start with small wins to build momentum.
How you talk to yourself and frame your tasks matters. Tell yourself it’s a challenge, not a chore.
Okay, you beat me at chess, now change your own nappy - how's that for a challenge?
Get these cues right, and you'll shift your state without even thinking.
If you don’t take control of your own triggers, habits and schedule then don’t be surprised you can’t move the needle on your goals.
Someone else, probably called Elon or Zuckerpunch will be happily hijacking your attention to feed their own fortunes.
You can learn more ways to direct your own, and other people's, attention towards your success from my course.
Here is a button - all you need to do is press it and you can start learning to sell. Selling is how you realise your value in the marketplace.
Join 1,850+ professionals and transform your B2B sales results. Learn to sell the way big companies buy. Get insights delivered every Sunday - read in minutes, use forever.
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