Dr. Ben is Obsessed w/Wellbeing

The “getting it done in an unconventional way” method.

The “it’s not cheating to do it the easy way” method.

The “fuck what you’re supposed to do” method.

The “get stuff done while you wait” method.

The “you don’t have to do everything at once” method.

The “it doesn’t have to be permanent to be helpful” method.

The “break the task into smaller steps” method.

The “treat yourself like a pet” method.

The “it doesn’t have to be all or nothing” method.

The “put on a persona” method.

The “act like you’re filming a tutorial” method.

The “you don’t have to do it perfectly” method.

The “wait for a trigger” method.

The “do it for your future self” method.

The “might as well” method.

The “when self discipline doesn’t cut it” method.

The “taking care of yourself to take care of your pet” method.

The “make it easy” method.

The “junebugging” method.

The “just show up” method.

The “accept when you need help” method.

The “make it into a game” method.

The “everything worth doing is worth doing poorly” method.

The “trick yourself” method.

The “break it into even smaller steps” method.

The “let go of should” method.

The “your body is an animal you have to take care of” method.

The “fork theory” method.

You’re sitting on the couch thinking about a task you need to perform, but your brain just won’t let you do it.

Me: “I need a shower.”

Brain: “No, that sounds entirely uninteresting. Let’s just keep sitting here instead.”

If you keep thinking about the task you need to do, but your brain won’t let you get on with it, the best thing to do is redirect. Pick a different task, an easier task, a more interesting task.

Me: “Ok, no shower. Let’s drink some water/brush our teeth/wash the dishes/start some laundry instead.”

Brain: “That does sound better than getting in the shower. Okay, let’s do it.”

Once you have some momentum going, it’s much easier to keep going. When you hit a stopping point in your chosen task, reevaluate the original thing you were stuck on.

Me: “Dishes are done. While we’re up and moving, let’s get a quick shower!”

Brain: “Uuugh, fine, I guess.”

Another option is to break down the task into smaller bits.

Brain: “No shower.”

Me: “Okay, let’s just go get undressed.”

Brain: “We can do that.”

Me: “Now let’s turn on the shower.”

Brain: “That’s fine.”

Me: “Now let’s get in the shower.”

Brain: “We are already undressed and the shower’s running. We might as well.”