096 - "Go See God" Workouts and How to Stop Procrastinating
Dec 12, 2024
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Intense workouts can offer transformative physical and psychological benefits, often referred to as 'going to see God.' Learn how to tackle procrastination by reframing your mindset—it's more than just laziness. Discover strategies for starting tasks even when motivation wanes and embrace moments when postponing is okay. The importance of adaptability in both athletic performance and creative endeavors takes center stage, encouraging a flexible approach to routines. Overcoming inadequacy is key to enhancing productivity in all areas of life.
Intense workouts, referred to as 'going to see God', offer significant physical and psychological benefits that enhance overall performance.
Addressing procrastination effectively involves understanding emotional drivers rather than merely focusing on time management strategies.
Deep dives
The Importance of Bad Days
It's essential to recognize that everyone experiences bad days, which are a natural part of any performance journey. Rather than only focusing on peak performance, emphasis should be placed on managing and learning from low points. High achievers find value in 'raising their floor', meaning they aim to minimize the impact of unfavorable days rather than letting them derail their efforts entirely. Strategies to navigate these tough times are crucial for sustaining long-term progress and success.
Developing a Short Memory
Having a short memory is vital for overcoming setbacks, especially in competitive fields. This concept entails quickly letting go of frustrations from poor performances to maintain focus and improve. Athletes and professionals alike can benefit from shifting their mindsets, allowing for recovery and continued effort even after a disappointing experience. Techniques such as mindfulness, distraction techniques, or simply moving on can help in cultivating this important skill.
Adapting to Performance Dynamics
When facing a challenging day, it's important to differentiate between physiological and psychological factors affecting performance. Simple changes, like adjusting workout intensity or altering the environment, can help regain momentum during a difficult session. For instance, switching from 800-meter repeats to shorter intervals can help athletes salvage their workouts, while writers can pivot to different tasks when facing writer’s block. The key is to find manageable adjustments that allow for progress, even on less than ideal days.
Strategies for Letting Go of Bad Days
Moving past a bad day or performance involves both mindset and actionable strategies. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce the weight of disappointment, while engaging in enjoyable activities or altering routines can provide a mental reset. Incorporating perspective-shifting actions such as going for a walk in nature or volunteering can also foster a constructive outlook. Ultimately, recognizing that perfection isn’t necessary and focusing on incremental improvements can facilitate recovery from setbacks.
On today's episode, we discuss the role of intense workouts ("Going to see God" as Steve calls it): the physical and psychological benefits and how you should use them. Then we answer a listener voicemail about the surprising science of beating procrastination: why you might be framing the problem wrong in your head (hint: it's not about being lazy or having bad time management), tips for getting started when you really feel like you can't, and when it's actually okay to keep pushing things off.
"Procrastinate Much? Manage Your Emotions (Not Your Time)" by Adam Grant