I don’t always procrastinate. But when I do, I compensate by browsing through ocean of dank memes. Or endless Reddit threads. Or auto played YouTube videos.
Today, I was procrastinating since morning the Reddit way. Threads after threads. Couple of hours in there and stumbled upon one eye-catching post which made me write this post.
Here’s link to the post in focus: Post by ryans01
It has been gilded whopping 76 times. That’s a lot. Really a lot.
Felt lazy, goalless, what-i-am-doing-with-my-life lately? Read on.
I’ve trimmed down the post by Ryan below to cover the important aspects.
The 4 Rules
Rule 1 – No More Zero days
Credit: aryeo
What’s a zero day?
A zero day is when you don’t do a single thing towards whatever dream or goal or want or whatever that you got going on.
Didn’t do anything all day and it’s 11:58 PM?
Write one sentence. One pushup. Read one page of that chapter. One. Because one is non zero.
Turning into productivity ultimate master of the universe doesn’t happen overnight or from reading this post. It happens from a massive string of CONSISTENT NON ZEROS.
Rule 2 – Be Grateful to the 3 You’s
Credit: theodysseyonline
3 You’s? – There’s the past you, the present you, and the future you.
Be grateful to the past you for the positive things you’ve done. And do favours for the future you like you would for your best bro.
Stop a second, think of a good decision you made yesterday. Roti Sabji instead of Big Cheese Mac Burger? Thank you younger me!
Saved up some coin over time to buy that sweet thing you wanted? Thank you.
Alarm clock goes off and bed is too comfy? **** you present self, this one’s for my best friend, the future me.
The cycle of doing something for someone else (future you) and thanking someone for the good in your life (past you) is key to building gratitude and productivity.
Rule 3 – Forgive Yourself
Credit: ILM Source
Maybe you got all the know-how, money, ability, strength and talent to do whatever is you want do.
But let’s say you still didn’t do it. Now you’re cursing yourself for not doing what you need to, to be who you want to.
Heads up champion, being disappointed in yourself causes you to be less productive. Tried your best to have a nonzero day yesterday and it failed? so what. I forgive you previous self. I forgive you. But today? Today is a nonzero masterpiece to the best of my ability for future self.
This one’s for you future homes. Forgiveness man, use it. I forgive you. Say it out loud.
Rule 4 – Exercise and Books
Credit: expertrain
Pretty standard advice but when you exercise daily you actually get smarter.
When you exercise you get high from endorphins. Sweat clears your mind. When you exercise you are doing your future self a huge favour.
As for books, almost every thing we’ve all ever thought of, or felt, or gone through, or wanted, or wanted to know how to do, or whatever, has been figured out by someone else.
Get some books. Put your phone on table and eyes on the book.
Read 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. Read Emotional Intelligence. Read From Good to Great. Read Thinking Fast and Slow. Read Alchemist. Read anything that interests you.
Read books that will help you understand.
Feeling rejuvenated? Great! Here’s recap.
Credit: Reddit User Modified_Duck
Here’s one more detailed post on the science of procrastination: Wait But Why
Cover Photo: Reddit User aryeo
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