How to Get Things Done (Even When You Don't Feel Like It)

Screw motivation!

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The uncomfortable truth…Let’s face it.

The movies lied to us.

There’s no epic soundtrack playing in the background as we conquer our daily tasks.

Most days, motivation is as elusive as a mirage in the desert.

Motivation is a luxury, not a necessity.

Relying on it is like waiting for a warmer day in Canada – it’s great when it happens, but you can’t plan your life around it.

We wait for it, and it never comes.

So, what then? Do we just give up and let Netflix take the wheel?

Absolutely not!

Here’s how I do it:

1) The Power of 'Meh':

Embrace the ‘meh’. The magic happens in the mundane.

Stop waiting to feel like doing something.

The truth is, you might never feel like it. Start despite the lack of fanfare. Action begets action.

This isn’t about grand gestures but consistent steps.

Start with what you can do, not what you wish you could do.

Extraordinary achievements are built on a foundation of ordinary actions.

Aristotle famously stated, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Once you start, it’s easier to keep going.

2) Your Future Self is Watching:

Consider your future self as your silent partner.

Each decision you make is either a deposit or a withdrawal from their account.

Legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, “Make each day your masterpiece.”

This means every action today shapes the canvas of your future.

By viewing your daily tasks as building blocks for the future, you transform mundane activities into a series of purposeful steps, creating a brighter tomorrow.

3) Break It Down:

Overwhelm is the archenemy of progress. Break your tasks down into micro-actions.

Can’t write a chapter?

Write a paragraph.

Can’t clean the house? Start with one room or even just one drawer.

Small victories create momentum.

4) The Five-Minute Rule:

Commit to five minutes.

Anyone can do almost anything for five minutes.

Often, the hardest part is starting.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started," Mark Twain wisely said.

As Newton’s First Law states, an object in motion stays in motion.

Once you begin, inertia carries you forward.

These initial five minutes can often turn into an hour of productive effort.

5) Ritualize, Don't Romanticize:

Create rituals, not routines.

Routines are mundane; rituals have meaning.

Find small ways to make mundane tasks enjoyable.

Light a candle when you’re working, play your favorite music while cleaning, or treat yourself to a nice cup of coffee while tackling emails.

6) Accountability, Not Autonomy:

Self-accountability is great, but sometimes you need an external push.

Find an accountability buddy, join a mastermind group, or make your goals public.

The fear of letting someone down can be a powerful catalyst.

7) Reward Yourself:

Incentivize your progress. Set up a reward system for completing tasks.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate – it could be as simple as a 10-minute break, a walk outside, or your favorite snack.

8) Reflect and Reset:

End your day with a reflection.

What did you accomplish? What could you have done better?

This isn’t about self-flagellation but about understanding and planning.

Reset for the next day.

Closing Thoughts

Waiting for motivation is like waiting for a perfect moment that never comes.

It's about discipline, habits, and mindset.

Screw motivation. Embrace determination.

You've got this.

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👉 If this post resonates with you, forward it on to your buddies!

And please, don't forget to hit that ❤️ button.

If you’re NOT using the app, respond with the word “Awesome.”

It helps others find it on Substack.

Thanks for the support! 🙌