From Avoidance to Transformation: Finding the Key to Inner Motivation
Economist Daniel Kahneman once said, "Laziness is deeply ingrained in our nature." Avoiding learning or difficult tasks is a very common response for many people. When you become aware that you lack the drive to complete tasks, feel anxious, and blame yourself, it may be because you haven't found a clear goal or strong motivation. Therefore, it is crucial to examine your goals carefully and discover your inner, profound motivations.
First, take out a pen and paper and write down the following questions to ask yourself:
- Why do I want to change the habit of avoiding difficulties?
- Do I genuinely want to change?
- What will happen if I don't change? Please answer these questions honestly. If you find that your motivation to change is strong, that you must change, and you have sincerely answered yourself, but you are not ready to face the issue yet, save these answers in the notes app on your phone and come back to them when you feel prepared.
Second point: Analyze the Reasons
Direct your attention to areas where you want to gain a better understanding of your inner thoughts.
People often tend to hesitate when facing things they have never tried or don't understand, leading to "self-doubt" and questioning their ability to succeed. The "comparison mindset" may arise due to social media usage, where a single post, story, or image can trigger it.
Various reasons can prevent us from taking that first step, and it is normal to find it challenging to break out of our comfort zones. Take a moment to ask yourself if you genuinely want to achieve this goal. Accept all the answers that come up without judgment or interruption. It may be difficult to accept these genuine thoughts initially.
You can try taking a step further by asking yourself, "What's the worst-case scenario if I do or don't take action?" This answer will straightforwardly present the rational side of the situation.
Third point: When there's too much to do, "Time Management" becomes even more critical
(A) Prioritize tasks based on "urgency" and "importance." Categorize all tasks based on their time sensitivity and impact on your goals. Handle tasks that are both time-sensitive and have a significant impact first. Next, address tasks that may not be as urgent but are extremely important. By organizing tasks this way, you can utilize your time more effectively and avoid spending too much time contemplating what to do next.
(B) The Power of Subtraction: Avoid futile thinking and use simplification. The best way is to jot down your thoughts in a list format and review them, identifying what is important and eliminating what isn't. This helps your mind stay clear on what needs to be done next.
When you hesitate about what to do next, revisit the earlier questions. This will help you reaffirm your goals and the tasks you've set out to accomplish.
(C) Act before overthinking: Take immediate action on urgent matters, prioritizing "efficiency." As the British philosopher Whitehead once said, "The fear of error is the death of progress." Let's stop hesitating and start planning our to-do list from now on. Break down the list into smaller tasks. Remember that having a long list doesn't signify busyness or capability. Instead, review your daily accomplishments to better understand your time management and productivity. This self-awareness will enable you to optimize and improve gradually. When feeling tired or in a bad mental state, give yourself proper rest. Once refreshed, you will automatically restart your journey.
Real "change" starts now. As you gradually overcome the habit of avoiding difficulties, you will discover inner strength and a sense of accomplishment. This will become the driving force for continuous progress. Let's bravely face challenges, take the first step towards change, and become a better version of ourselves, starting from this moment.