Self-Discipline for Tedious, Boring, and Difficult Things

the more immersed you are and the fewer distractions you indulge in, the quicker the work goes and the less tired you feel.

None of us can control the fact that there are some annoying tasks and obligations we’re required to do in life, but we can control how we do those things and the way we think about them.

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” —Carl Sandburg

Being engaged in deep work can feel great—and procrastinators are sometimes surprised by just how much they can do once they’ve gotten started. But resist the temptation to do just five more minutes, even if you’re feeling really engaged.

he entire system falls apart if you’re muddling through your work with half a brain or thinking about all the things you’re going to do while you’re supposed to be relaxing.

“Time is the coin of your life.

this is daily work—do not leave the things that are most meaningful, enjoyable, or important for later; prioritize them for right now!

When the day is over, what will we want to look back on with pride, satisfaction, and a feeling of completeness? What task being ticked off the list will give us the richest sense of meaning and purpose?

What we really want is a happy, meaningful life that’s full of vitality and success. However we envision it happening, this life is one where we feel like we are useful people who are able to contribute to the world . . . and have those contributions recognized and even rewarded.

Hyperfocus is great for clear, pre-defined tasks consisting of smaller subgoals that simply need to be tackled one at a time. This is the kind of approach best suited for difficult problem-solving, for studying, for drills and rote practice, for memorizing, and for analysis.

Scatterfocus, however, is best for those tasks that are generative—i.e., those that require a degree of creativity and innovation. Brainstorming new ideas, dreaming up plotlines for a novel, coaxing inspiration for an artwork or piece of music, or thinking carefully about a deep philosophical, aesthetic, or moral question. This is the best approach for those tasks that are by their nature undefined, and tasks that are outside the box and as yet unimagined.