I learned a system to work without motivation

Summary

The video script shares a four-step system for overcoming procrastination and achieving goals, even when motivation is low. The first step is to clearly define the task at hand. The second step involves setting a timer for a short period, like 10 or 30 minutes, to get started on the task. The third step is to involve others, such as joining a study group or working out with a friend, to increase accountability and social support. Finally, the fourth step is to keep score and track progress, which taps into our natural competitiveness and desire to improve. The speaker credits this system for personal successes, including passing a difficult calculus course, losing weight, and building a successful business. The system is also used in coaching sessions with over 9,000 people, emphasizing its effectiveness in various aspects of life.

Takeaways

• 📝 Clearly Define the Task: Breaking down a large goal into smaller, manageable tasks can make it easier to start and complete.
• ⏰ Set a Timer: Using a timer can help overcome inertia and get started on a task, even when you're not feeling motivated.
• 🤝 Do It with Someone Else: Accountability and social interaction can greatly improve motivation and the likelihood of completing a task.
• 🏆 Keep Scoring: Monitoring progress through a scoring system can increase motivation by providing a sense of competition and achievement.
• 📈 Use a System: Implementing a structured system, like the four-step process described, can help overcome procrastination and achieve goals.
• 🤔 Identify the Next Task: Knowing exactly what to do next is crucial for making progress and avoiding confusion that leads to inaction.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Incremental Progress: Starting with small, achievable goals, such as 10 minutes of work or exercise, can lead to longer periods of productivity.
• 🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness and Discipline: Recognizing the need to work even when you don't feel like it is a key aspect of self-discipline.
• 📚 Learning from Others: Observing and adopting strategies from successful individuals can provide insights into maintaining motivation and discipline.
• 🚫 Overcoming Procrastination: The system presented helps to combat the tendency to delay tasks, which is a common barrier to productivity.
• 💪 Consistent Effort: Consistent small efforts over time, such as daily practice or study, can lead to significant long-term achievements.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial struggle with calculus in university?

The speaker struggled with calculus because they couldn't motivate themselves to study, read the textbook, and do the required work, leading to failing the course three times.

How did the speaker transform their approach to tackle calculus after understanding the habits of straight-A students?

The speaker realized that straight-A students had specific strategies to stay motivated. They broke down the task of passing calculus into solving sample problems each week, making the task more manageable.

What is the first step of the four-step system the speaker developed to overcome procrastination?

The first step is to clearly define the task. The speaker used this approach to break down the task of passing calculus into solving sample problems each week.

Why is it important to break down a big goal into smaller tasks?

Breaking down a big goal into smaller tasks helps to eliminate confusion and makes it easier to start working on the task. It turns a daunting goal into a simple, actionable step.

What is the second step in the speaker's system for getting things done?

The second step is to set a timer for a short period, like 10 or 30 minutes, to start working on the task. This helps to overcome inertia and get the work started.

How did the speaker use a timer to help with their calculus studies?

The speaker set an alarm clock for 10 minutes and committed to working on calculus problems for that duration. This approach helped them to start working and often led to continued study beyond the initial 10 minutes.

What is the role of social interaction in the speaker's system for getting things done?

Social interaction, or doing the task with someone else, is the third step in the speaker's system. It provides accountability, motivation, and support, making it easier to stay on track.

How did joining a study group help the speaker with their calculus studies?

Joining a study group provided the speaker with a sense of community, accountability, and shared knowledge. It motivated them to work on problems, show up, and learn from others.

What is the fourth step in the speaker's system for motivation and productivity?

The fourth step is to keep scoring. By measuring progress and success, such as the number of problems solved or tasks completed, it creates a sense of competition and motivation to improve.

How did the speaker apply the four-step system to other areas of their life, such as fitness and business?

The speaker applied the system by defining tasks, setting timers, working with others, and keeping score in various contexts like fitness workouts, business goals, and personal development.

What is the significance of using a score or a measure of success in the speaker's system?

Using a score or measure of success taps into the natural human desire for competition and achievement. It helps individuals to stay motivated, track progress, and feel a sense of accomplishment.

How did the speaker's approach to learning guitar illustrate the principles of their four-step system?

The speaker started by practicing for just 10 minutes a day, setting a timer, and gradually increasing the time as they improved. This showed the principles of starting small, setting a timer, and building up to larger goals.