How To Build Self-Discipline & Stop Procrastinating

Summary

The video discusses overcoming procrastination and building self-discipline. It highlights the struggle of staring at a blank screen and making excuses, emphasizing the concept of resistance from Steven Pressfield's 'The War of Art.' The speaker shares four tips to combat procrastination: removing distractions, taking immediate action, creating to-do lists and schedules, and focusing on controllable factors. The video also mentions the importance of an internal locus of control and introduces NordVPN as the sponsor. The overall message encourages viewers to push through resistance and take control of their actions to achieve their goals.

Takeaways

• 😶 Procrastination often stems from a lack of motivation and is accompanied by excuses that rationalize inaction.
• 🎯 The distinction between the life we live and the life we aspire to live is a common theme, with hard work being the bridge between the two.
• 🛡️ Resistance, as described by Steven Pressfield in 'The War of Art', is a universal force that hinders creativity and must be overcome.
• 💪 Self-discipline is the key to overcoming resistance, taking action despite feelings, and living life on one's own terms rather than by default.
• 🕰️ To combat distractions, setting aside uninterrupted work blocks and removing temptations can significantly enhance focus and productivity.
• 🔕 Strategies such as closing the office door, using noise-cancelling headphones, and switching devices to flight mode can help minimize external distractions.
• 📝 Writing to-do lists and breaking down tasks into concrete steps can aid in prioritizing and achieving goals.
• 🗓️ Utilizing calendars to schedule time blocks for tasks and setting artificial deadlines can improve time management and motivation.
• 🤔 The concept of 'locus of control' is crucial for self-discipline; internalizing control over life events leads to greater personal responsibility and problem-solving.
• 🏃‍♂️ Action should not be dependent on inspiration; instead, taking the first step can often lead to a flow of work and eventual inspiration.
• 🚀 Passion for one's work is a powerful motivator, making it easier to stay disciplined and accomplish tasks.

Q & A

What is the common issue the speaker faced when trying to write a video script?

The speaker faced writer's block and procrastination, often finding excuses not to write and getting distracted by other activities.

What is the term used by Steven Pressfield to describe the force that prevents creative work?

Steven Pressfield refers to this force as 'Resistance' in his book 'The War of Art'.

According to the speaker, what is the solution to overcoming resistance?

The solution to overcoming resistance is self-discipline, which involves taking action despite feelings and living life by design, not by default.

What are the four main tips shared by the speaker to overcome procrastination and build self-discipline?

The four main tips are: focusing attention on one task, eliminating distractions, taking action without waiting for inspiration, and setting priorities through to-do lists and time management.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with distractions such as cell phones and social media?

The speaker suggests setting specific work blocks, using noise-cancelling headphones, switching the phone to flight mode, turning off non-essential notifications, and closing distracting applications.

What is the significance of the quote 'Amateurs wait for inspiration to strike, while the pros get up and get to work' in the context of the script?

The quote emphasizes the importance of taking action as a precursor to inspiration, rather than waiting for inspiration to initiate work.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between inspiration, motivation, and action?

The speaker describes it as a loop where each part reinforces the other, and the key is to start the loop by taking action.

What is the role of to-do lists and calendars in the speaker's approach to time management and prioritization?

To-do lists and calendars help the speaker to break down tasks into achievable steps, allocate specific time blocks for tasks, and set deadlines to maintain focus and motivation.

What is the concept of 'locus of control' and how does it relate to self-discipline?

Locus of control refers to the degree to which people believe they have control over life events. Having an internal locus of control is crucial for self-discipline as it leads to taking personal responsibility and finding solutions to problems.

How does the speaker define an external locus of control and contrast it with an internal one?

An external locus of control is when people believe life events are due to external forces, while an internal locus of control is when people believe they have control over outcomes through their actions.

What is the final advice the speaker gives regarding passion and work?

The speaker advises that being passionate about work is a great catalyst for staying motivated and getting things done, making the task easier and more enjoyable.