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.

The two mindsets are one and the same. Being a procrastinator and resenting your work comes from the same psychological root as believing there’s value in doing prolonged marathon sessions.

Remind yourself that breaks are not rewards, they are not failures or concessions (“Fine, I guess I’ll stop since I can’t think straight anymore.”), and they are not working in opposition to your goal.

The next time you approach the task, you’ve already taught yourself that it’s hard and unenjoyable and that you’re going to be slow and make mistakes.

the more tired you are and the less enjoyable the process, the slower you go and the more mistakes you make.