How to Trick Your Brain into Doing Hard Things
Read it if you want to live a more fulfilling life
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We’ve all been there. Staring at a pile of work, a challenging project, or a taxing problem, we often feel like a mouse facing a cat.
We get the sinking sensation of being stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place. The pull to retreat back into the comfort zone is too tempting to resist.
Yet, what if I told you that your brain, your greatest weapon, could be tricked into tackling these challenges head-on?
Sounds far-fetched? Allow me to elaborate.
The human brain is a complex, intricate marvel. It’s the director of your life’s play, the master manipulator, the strategist pulling strings from backstage.
It’s your most critical asset and sometimes, your biggest adversary. But the key is understanding that it can be trained, fine-tuned, and sometimes even tricked into executing tasks we might find too challenging or uncomfortable.
Techniques that defy the odds — The “Salami Slice” method
When faced with a mammoth task, our brains tend to freeze, overwhelmed by the magnitude of what lies ahead.
This instinctual response can be pacified by breaking down the task into smaller, manageable ‘salami slices.’ Each slice is not as intimidating as the whole, encouraging your brain to take on one piece at a time.
It’s like eating a pizza, one slice at a time makes it doable and even enjoyable.
The sense of achievement from completing each slice also serves as a positive reinforcement, tricking your brain into seeking more of these ‘victories.’
The “2-Minute” Rule
Another brain hack revolves around the “2-minute rule,” which suggests that if a task can be done in two minutes or less, do it immediately.
But there’s a twist. You can also use this rule to trick your brain into starting larger tasks. Tell your brain you’ll only work on a task for “2 minutes.”
Once you’ve started, the inertia is broken, and often you’ll find yourself working much longer.
The hard part, as they say, is getting started.
Embracing the “Pomodoro Technique”
The Pomodoro Technique, named after a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, encourages you to work on a task for 25 minutes (one “Pomodoro”), followed by a five-minute break.
After four Pomodoros, take a longer, 15-minute break. This method reinforces the idea that focus is cyclical and rest is integral to productivity.
It also tricks your brain into starting tasks by presenting a manageable timeframe that limits the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Creating a “Reward System”
Our brains love rewards. Dopamine, the so-called “reward neurotransmitter,” plays a significant role in motivation and pleasure-seeking behaviors.
You can exploit this by creating a reward system, where your brain gets a treat after accomplishing hard tasks.
The reward could be as simple as a five-minute break, a quick stretch, or a favorite snack. This technique turns the process into a game where your brain anticipates the reward and gets motivated to complete the task.
Becoming your own cheerleader
Let’s face it; everyone enjoys a bit of flattery and praise, even your brain.
Positive affirmations are statements that can help you challenge and overcome self-sabotaging thoughts.
When you repeat them often and believe in them, you start to make positive changes in your life and mindset.
Every time you face a daunting task, remind yourself of your strengths.
Phrases like, “I can handle this,” “I am productive,” or “I am capable,” work as a mental pep talk, bolstering your confidence and determination.
Such positive reinforcement tricks your brain into believing in its ability to do hard things, helping you overcome procrastination and self-doubt.
Now, some may argue that ‘tricking’ your brain sounds rather manipulative.
However, consider it as outsmarting an opponent in a friendly match where both parties benefit from the challenge.
Final thought
Mastering your brain is no child’s play. It requires patience, perseverance, and a pinch of guile.
The path to productivity and tackling hard tasks isn’t always about brute force and willpower. Sometimes, it involves a little cunning and the artful act of tricking your brain.
After all, who said that the road to success doesn’t allow for a bit of crafty brain-hacking?
So, the next time you’re faced with a formidable challenge, remember; you have the tools, you have the tricks, and most importantly, you have the brain to conquer it all.
It’s time to start playing mind games — with yourself.
Thanks for reading! I hope you found this edition of my weekly newsletter useful.
All the best,
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