Get It Done Even If You Don't Feel Like It.

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The biggest mistake I used to make.

Thinking I had so much time.

I’d watch a wrestling show and have the intention to do work later.

I got comfy and it didn’t happen.

Every excuse in the book would pop out.

“I’ve got time; I’ll do it tomorrow.”

There are days you won't feel like it.

But that doesn’t mean you stop the progress.

They tell you it’s all or nothing.

But it’s the little tasks when you’re not feeling it that can still get things moving.

That little progress still compounds up, so at least it’s better to do something than nothing.

Sometimes on work-heavy days or after football, I understand that I need to work with my energy levels rather than force a heavy session.

This is where these little nuggets come in.

1. Set a timer.

Not for an hour, but for 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

When the timer goes off, you can stop, but it’s 95% likely that you'll want to keep on going.

I like to start the timer at a certain time e.g., 11:30 or 11:45 and then do 15 minutes in blocks.

Most of the time I carry on for another 15 to 30 minutes.

Even using the Pomodoro Technique means it’s a small duration of 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break.

On a good day, it’ll usually be 2-3 sessions broken down for my languages or writing, but on the off days at least 20-30 minutes still ensures progress.

2. Start small.

So small that it's impossible to not achieve.

• Write one paragraph

• Learn 5 new words

• Do 1 push-up.

You'll be determined to do more when you're in the flow.

I tell myself I'll make notes on a video for 10 minutes but I usually end up finishing the video off.

Make it stupidly simple so it becomes easier to add to later.

3. Change your environment.

Switch up the scenery to avoid brain fog and get out of your comfort zone. It’s a real thing where your environment can truly make or break your sessions.

• Get some sunlight in the morning

• Take a quick walk

• Clean up your workspace

• Go to a cafe

Little changes can make a big difference.

Being at my desk all day means I associate it with 9-5 work, so I have to get away or get out sometimes.

4. Habit stack up.

It's difficult to do the tough tasks. So pair it up with a habit or something you enjoy doing.

• Listen to an audiobook while working out.

• Plan your daily tasks while brushing your teeth

• Write or journal before you wind down for bed

The difficulty can be remembering to do a certain thing.

That's why at the start I set reminders to do it with things in my daily routine.

This helps keep the tasks minimal at the start, so I don’t go all in and feel burnt out trying to keep up.

5. Add in some movement.

Go for a little walk, a run or even a weightlifting session.

If you're stuck on time, don't neglect workouts that don't require any equipment. These can range from:

• Push-ups

• Squats

• Lunges

• Burpees

For my people that WFH, these are especially important if you're sitting at your desk for hours.

5 minutes away can help you to reset.

6. Take a break.

Sometimes you have to take a step back to get forward.

A lack of motivation can be a sign of potential burnout.

Breaks can differ for others, but I usually try to:

• Take a quick nap

• Watch some quick wrestling. (don’t judge)

• Spend time with family

• Read up on things that interest me

Once upon a time, I used to feel guilt or feel like I didn’t deserve a break.

Now it’s all about staying fresh and charged up.

Breaks can help with that for longer or more intense sessions.

Rest can be necessary, so take some time out to mentally recover.

7. Make it the only option.

You need to get something done? You have two choices:

• Do the task

• Or don't do anything.

Stash the phone away, get rid of the distractions and lock in.

You've got DND mode for a reason if you know you're likely to scroll.

If you can’t help it, give in to the distractions for 5 minutes, then lock in to get it done.

Think about it, would you rather look back and be glad you did something or regret doing nothing?

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The bottom line

I get it.

You’re tired.

You’re comfy.

But you need to understand when it’s time to break free from the paralysis and get it done.

I’m a prime advocate for wasting time. I made little progress for two years until I realised the little things I did still provided me with the mindset and skills that I implement today.

I’m slightly scattered, but every day I return to my interests with the intention of chasing the physical, mental and spiritual win, becoming 1% better than old me.

Reality is often uncertain and unknown. 

We rarely grasp full control.

That doesn’t mean you can’t control your environment.

Your challenge for this week: You might feel like watching that Netflix show, but you know you’ve got stuff to get done. Ask yourself:

- Whatever your interests are, identify a failsafe — the smallest amount you can do when you’re not feeling it.

- What’s your environment like? Is it optimised for focused work?

- If you have breaks, do they derail your sessions or do they help you to reset and recharge?

You're in the driver’s seat.

No one else can tailor your sessions for you, so make it so that you have no excuses to get progressing.

It's all about preparation over procrastination to be able to build with intention and purpose.

If you need some help with this or want to discuss it further, feel free to reach out on Instagram @liftlangleon.

Till next time, peace.

LiftLangLeon