Surest way to beat procrastination| Getting out of Power saving mode

One of the worst feelings in life is the feeling of wasting life away. No body wants to feel like their precious time is going by while they are in a power saving mode. Sadly, power saving mode is the default mode for any organism. Without good reasons to do otherwise, you and everyone else will always chose the path with the least effort and instant rewards.

Yet, it remains true that delaying gratification is what makes us humans. At least it is one of the core aspects of human ascension. The latest addition to organisms by evolution- the central lobe, tries its best to make us sacrifice instant reward now to get bigger rewards in the future. We ignore its voice at our own peril.

Do this thought experiment with me. Let’s say you have decided that for the next three hours you can only do one of the following:

1. Draw something
2. Study for the upcoming test
3. Exercise and
4. Watch your favorite show on YouTube

 

This is what is going to happen. Your mind will quickly glance through all the options. It will think something like this: “Hey I’ve always wanted to sharpen up my drawing skills! Let’s draw something! But wait, what do I even draw? It’s not like I have a syllabus or anything… I have this test coming, I should better study. But studying is so boring! I guess I’ll first do something else. I don’t feel like hitting the gym either man. I don’t even remember where I left my shoes and trouser last time. Let’s just watch YouTube for now. I can’t wait to see what (your fav YouTuber) has uploaded today!”

One video will lead to another and soon your 3 hours will be up.

Unless for an extraordinary burst of motivation or rare case of extreme self-control, this is how we function.

What would have happened if you didn’t have the choice of Watching YouTube?

Yes, herein lies the answer. ELIMINATE.

Eliminate the possibility of doing things that you know are your weakness. Things that you know waste your time. Here’s the thing, you don’t have to do it for the whole day.

Block 3 or more hours of your day. Choose only a handful of tasks that you really want to do and eliminate every other possibility.

You will be surprised to see what happens then. Some magical wizard stuff will guide you to the things you’ve always wanted to do. Because that’s how we work. We always look for the highest reward with least amount of effort. Choose the activities you’re allowed to do and your limbic brain will be tricked into thinking it chose the most fun thing with least hassle.

Keep doing this 3 hours a day, 7 days a week and see how your life satisfaction shoots up.