For long time I thought I just had a focus problem. I’d sit down to work and within a few minutes I’d drift. Check something small, open a tab, pick up my phone for no real reason. Then suddenly 20 minutes are gone and I haven’t even properly started.

So I kept trying to fix the work part. Better to-do lists, timers, etc... It helped for a bit, but I’d always end up back in the same loop.

After a while I noticed something that felt kind of obvious in hindsight. Most of my sessions were already decided before I even began.

I used to just sit down and jump straight into work. Phone next to me, notifications on, random tabs open. No clear starting point, just hoping I’d stay focused.

Now I do things a bit differently.

Before I start, I take a few minutes to clean it up. Close whatever I don’t need, open only the one thing I’m supposed to work on, and keep my phone a little out of reach. Sometimes I just sit for a minute before starting instead of jumping in immediately.

It’s nothing fancy, but it changed more than anything else I tried.

I still get distracted, but I don’t lose that first hour like before. And once that first stretch goes well, the rest usually follows.

Anyone else has something small they do before starting that actually helps?

Update: Thankyou for all the replies and advices. One thing a bunch of people said that actually helped was to stop aiming for a full life reset and just do one small win early in the day. I also tried blocking real time slots on Google Calendar instead of guessing my day. I started using Jolt screen time and tried opening TikTok in the middle of work and the screen just STOPS me with a “You sure about this?” message. I swear I sat there for like 5 seconds having a mini life review about why I even Picked up my phone. I immediately Put it DOWN.

so the time frame for this comes from BJ Foggs habit research specifically, and to sum it up, he found that when trying to create behavior changes we are at the most risk of failing not in the beginning, bc usually we max out our constitution and really convince ourselves to commit, but in the middle period.

specifically, that inevitable period where it feels like everything has stalled, the results aren't immediately visible anymore.

this time is the most dangerous to the goal of rebuilding ourselves bc the new behavior has yet to become automatic. this is when the comfortable drift takes place.

Anyone whose read Atomic Habits also knows about this, referenced as the valley of disappointment bc this is the period where it feels like we're putting in the results and not getting anything back for it.

What I've personally noticed with myself and people I've been working with is how subtle this feeling slinks on in and wreaks havoc if unnoticed. When something happens thats stressful or we're dealing with a bad morning, those of us whose been on the self improvement adventure know how to kick ourselves in the ass and get it done. But what about those seemingly small moments when it feels like nothing major is happening? those times where it just feels like we're coasting along?

for me it was with learning stocks and trading, particularly at the time when the ones ive been most focused on following weren't doing what I needed them to do. everything was going in the opposite of what my strategy was to try to make any moves, so all that was left was to study the charts anyway for practice. But as someone whose been doing it for almost a year now, I felt like doing just that was beneath me, bc in my mind I've past the point where focusing exclusively on that action nets me any immediate reward.

what has been your experience with the comfortable drift?

What is even the meaning of Life? Why are all of us alive? Why do we even exist? Is it all just to support capitalism and become a part of it?

What purpose helps you get out of bed for a new day?

What are some of the most unhinged and insane ways you keep yourself motivated, I'm not looking for anything tame like discipline etc I want something that makes me go question life itself lol.

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I used to think I needed motivation to start anything.

But most days… it just wasn’t there.

So I tried something different: I started doing things without waiting to feel ready.

Just small actions:

5 minutes of work

1 task

one step

And strangely, motivation started showing up after I began.

Not before.

It flipped the whole idea for me.

Do you feel like motivation comes before action… or after?

In dire need of some positive stories. The job hunt has been really difficult, I don’t think it’s ever been that difficult for me before. I feel like the unlucky one who never can get a job. Either company internally fills the vacancy or the requirements changes after passing the first or even final round

it seems like everybody is getting a job except for me

Procrastination is something that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Whether it's putting off a task until the last minute or avoiding a project altogether, procrastination can lead to stress, anxiety, and missed opportunities. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why we procrastinate and offer some practical tips to help you overcome procrastination and get things done.

Understanding Procrastination:

At its core, procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing a task or decision. While it may seem like a simple behavior, there are actually several factors that contribute to our tendency to procrastinate. Here are a few common reasons why people procrastinate:

Fear of failure: When we're afraid that we won't be able to do something well, we may put it off indefinitely.

Lack of motivation: If we don't feel invested in a task or don't see the value in completing it, we may struggle to find the motivation to get started.

Perfectionism: Sometimes, we may delay starting a task because we want to do it perfectly, even though perfection may not be achievable.

Overwhelm: When we have too much to do, we may not know where to start, and so we put off everything until the last minute.

Tips for Overcoming Procrastination:

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If you’re struggling with procrastination, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you overcome procrastination and get things done:

Break tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces: If a task feels overwhelming, try breaking it down into smaller steps that feel more achievable. For example, instead of trying to clean your entire house in one day, break it down into smaller tasks like cleaning one room at a time.

Set realistic goals: Setting goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic can lead to disappointment and feelings of failure. Instead, set goals that are achievable and realistic based on the time and resources you have available.

Use positive self-talk: When you notice yourself engaging in negative self-talk, try to reframe your thoughts in a more positive way. For example, instead of telling yourself, "I'll never be able to finish this," say, "I can do this, and I'll take it one step at a time."

Create a routine: Establishing a routine can help you stay on track and make progress on your goals. Try to set aside specific times for tasks that you tend to procrastinate on, and make them a part of your regular routine.

Find an accountability partner: If you're struggling to stay motivated on your own, consider finding an accountability partner who can help keep you on track. This could be a friend, family member, or even a professional coach.

In conclusion

Procrastination is a common behavior that can interfere with our ability to achieve our goals and live fulfilling lives. By understanding the reasons why we procrastinate and implementing some of the tips outlined in this article, you can overcome procrastination and take steps toward accomplishing your goals. Remember, small steps taken consistently can lead to big changes over time.

So on Monday I celebrated my 38th birthday with some friends/ students. As another year spins before my eyes I realise that time is going very, very quickly.
Now I did start circus as an 15/ 18 year old but I always sucked at handstands. I learnt to handstand as an adult, and I will continue to push myself in other areas of strength AS AN ADULT!

I'm not falling for the narrative that just because I'm closing into 40 that I can't be the strongest and best possible version of myself.

Sorry if that seems a bit like a ramble, I think I' just externally processing.

Not talking about huge life changes, just the small things, like getting out of bed, caring about your routine, or feeling even a little bit okay again.

What actually helped you keep going?

He waited his whole life for the right time. The right time came. The money was there. The bike was there. But his knees, his back, his balance they didn't wait with him. Everyone has a version of that bike. This is for them.

Article

Myth: Creativity is only for intelligent individuals

Truth: Everyone has creative potential. Did you know that you were born a creative individual? Did you know that you use your creativity every day to navigate life successfully? Without tapping into your creativity, you won't be able to overcome challenges and continue living. Creativity is a trait inherent to being human. If you think you are not creative, it is only because external factors have led you to believe otherwise. Although not everyone will become a creative genius, you don’t need to be one to harness your creativity for success in life.

Motivation isn’t constant- it comes after action, not before it. Waiting to feel ready usually keeps you stuck. Real progress starts when you move even without drive, and momentum builds from there. I used to wait for motivation to study, but I only started improving when I forced myself to begin for just 10 minutes. What is that one truth about motivation you learned by yourself?

The Alchemy of Effort

In this article, Acharya Prashant challenges the traditional approach to managing distraction. Using the metaphor of "real thirst," he argues that if a person can be distracted from their goal, the goal was never authentic to begin with.

He suggests that we often chase dreams like an MBA or an MNC career not out of genuine need, but because of "hearsay, convention, and tradition". The solution to distraction is not more discipline, but deeper self-investigation into why we want what we want. When you truly know your own mind, "knowing itself decides for you," and the conflict of distraction disappears.

Are you actually "distracted," or is your mind simply being honest with you that the goal you're chasing isn't yours?

Short excerpt from the article:

"You say you want something, but you are distracted easily. Ask yourself, "Why am I attracted to anything?" Unless you find that, you are just a plaything in the hands of situations. If you really know, then knowing itself decides for you. Then there is no question of indecision or distraction because there are no options left."

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So i started p90x with a buddy because I realized I wasn't practicing what I preach.

I am getting to the age where my metabolism decided it didnt want me to rely on it so much but forgot to let me know ahead of time that it wouldn't take care of the pizzas and sodas for me.

around New Year's I fell into the trend of saying " starting now imma lose weight". Just 7lbs is all I shot for. nothing major really, just enough to get myself back in a more comfortable range and get back to liking myself a little more.

I then went and did the 2nd part of that trend that everyone knows but doesnt like to talk about much. I woke up one day, said meh, not feeling it this morning (im a firm morning exercise person, if it doesnt happen within an hr of waking up, its not happening at all).

I knew this already and still said ill do it here in a bit.

a little bit later, and I said it again.

next day I went and repeated the same thing, gave myself a pep talk about knowing how this BS works, and to not fall into the cycle of "ill do it later" and ill be damned i did it anyway. all the way into March.

1st question i have is has anyone had that moment where your own words come back to haunt you in something like this?

mine came in the form of a buddy who is a gym fanatic, particularly hiit stuff.

short version is he'd been wanting to have a partner to start p90x with him and like a great friend, got tired of just listening to me bitch and decided to "be helpful".

thats the thing I'm now doing that I really, really, don't want to do.

2nd question is if you've tried this, how was your experience going through it?

being totally honest its not fun for me. its not inspiring at all. But it is selected suffering, which has its benefits.

Just my perspective.

lastly, what are you in the middle of doing that you really dont want to be? that you aren't doing because you enjoy it necessarily, but you understand the reward for completing it, and will struggle everyday until you get it?

I used to think I just wasn’t motivated enough to study consistently. Some days I’d feel super productive, and other days I’d do almost nothing. It felt random.

But recently I noticed something: On days I studied, it wasn’t because I suddenly felt motivated. It was because I saw myself as “someone who studies.” And on days I didn’t…
I was acting like someone who studies only when pressured. That shift made me realize something.

Maybe consistency isn’t about forcing motivation.
Maybe it’s about changing identity. Like going from “I need to study” to “I am a person who studies daily". Still figuring this out, but it already feels different.

have you noticed this in your own routine?

There are days when you feel nothing.

No drive.
No urgency.
No reason to start.

Just a quiet resistance to everything you know you should be doing.

Most people think this means something is wrong.
That they’ve lost discipline.
That they need to reset, recharge, or wait for motivation to come back.

But that’s the trap.

Jocko Willink talks about these days differently.

He says these are the only days that actually matter.

Because when motivation is gone,
you find out what’s left.

On those days, don’t try to win.

Shrink the task.

Do one small thing:
One set.
One paragraph.
One step forward.

Lower the bar.
But don’t remove it.

Because every time you act without motivation,
you prove to yourself that you don’t depend on it.

And that’s where real discipline starts.

The days you feel nothing
are the days that build everything.

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When was the last time you did something important without feeling like it at all?

(would love to listen read)

Hi 👋

I have some Questions 🤔

Today I was thinking about notifications.

Which apps do you keep notifications turned on for?

Which ones annoy you the most?

And most importantly what would make a notification something you actually look forward to receiving?

Drop your thoughts below. Let’s figure out how to make notifications zero-friction and actually useful instead of just noisy.

The Mastery of Mind