We’re Creatures of Habit

Hello Dear Friends,

We all encounter inner resistance when attempting to adhere to a new schedule and let go of unproductive patterns. As creatures of habit, our well-established routines often pull us back, even if they aren't the most valuable because they act as psychological security blankets and help release dopamine (a pleasurable hormone).

The good news? You don't have to battle willpower forever! Research by Dr. Jan Keller from the Free University of Berlin suggests it takes around 59 to 70 days to truly adopt a new habit.

As Dr Peterson puts it, you're a terrible boss because most of the time you assign yourself tasks that are pretty useless. And you're an even worse employee because when you finally decide to do something worthwhile, you somehow find a million distractions and ways to procrastinate. Creating an effective schedule doesn't mean relentless busyness; true balance includes essential relaxation and recharging. However, it's vital to distinguish between quality rest and time-wasting habits. For example, the average person spends over three hours a day on their phone. While a bit of TV or social media can be a legitimate way to unwind, beware of habits that hinder your progress.

So a couple of rules:

  1. Don't fall into the "someday I'll make up for lost time" trap; the consequences often catch up with you down the road.

  2. Sticking to your schedule perfectly from day one is unrealistic. Instead, focus on gradual improvement as the week progresses. Small changes accumulate over time, making you more efficient and in control of your behaviors. Keep track of your progress, monitoring things like reduced phone time and adherence to your weekly goals.

Unlock your potential and explore my range of courses to further enhance your productivity and time management skills.

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Understanding Decision Fatigue and Attention Residue