The ikario Podcast: human thriving in the modern world

You'll achieve more when you stop trying so hard.

Sep 16, 2024

Exploring the paradox of productivity, the discussion reveals that trying harder often leads to less effectiveness. Procrastination is framed as a response to self-inflicted discomfort rather than task aversion. The importance of letting go of internal tension is emphasized, suggesting that clarity and awareness can significantly enhance focus. Listeners are encouraged to recognize and transform their patterns of self-sabotage, ultimately discovering that their best performance comes when they strive less.

15:42

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Quick takeaways

Self-inflicted tension from trying too hard often undermines productivity and creates unnecessary stress around work tasks.

Recognizing the difference between avoiding discomfort and resisting unworthy tasks can empower better decision-making in productivity.

Deep dives

The Counterproductive Nature of Tension

Trying to be productive often leads to self-inflicted tension that undermines actual productivity. This tension arises from an internal struggle to control outcomes, similar to the ineffective attempts to force oneself to sleep. Just like worrying about sleep can keep a person awake, the anxiety around being productive causes unnecessary stress. By recognizing this pattern, one can begin to understand that the discomfort often stems from their own expectations and judgments rather than the work itself.

Letting Go of Internal Tension for Enhanced Productivity

16min

When you're trying to be productive, you're doing something that is making you less productive and more prone to procrastination.

Join the Introspective Writing course waitlist here: https://shanemelaugh.com/iw-signup/

My approach to work and productivity has changed a lot over recent years. What I've found is that there is a way to try less hard, to be less stressed, to feel less pressure and as a result, get more done, much more easily.

As I've explored this, I found something really surprising: when we procrastinate, we are not actually trying to avoid the difficulty of the task in front of us. The discomfort and suffering we're trying to avoid is actually entirely self-inflicted. But you have to pay really close attention to notice this.

So today, let's look at how you can discover this in yourself and how you can stop self sabotaging in this particular way.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:41 Higher Ice Cream Probability

01:41 Trying Hard to Fall Asleep

02:26 Why Trying to Work Hard Doesn't Work

04:03 What You're Really Avoiding

04:55 Is Hard Work Actually Hard?

05:54 What this Means About Procrastination

07:36 Lack of Clarity

09:12 Putting it Into Practice

11:05 Where Does All This Tension Come From?

11:51 How to Unclench

13:32 My Best Performance Comes When I Try Less

15:02 What to Do Next

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Tweet from the video: https://x.com/RomeoStevens76/status/1455068457091756034

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