How I Tricked My Brain To Like Doing Hard Things

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For as long as I can remember, I have always struggled with doing hard things. Whether it was a challenging task at work or a tough workout, my brain would immediately shut down and resist any effort to push through.

I would procrastinate, make excuses, and ultimately give up before I even started. It felt like an endless cycle of avoidance and disappointment.

But all that changed when I stumbled upon a simple trick that completely transformed my mindset and helped me conquer even the most difficult tasks. It sounds too good to be true, but trust me, it works. Here’s how I tricked my brain to like doing hard things.

The first step was to understand why my brain had such a strong aversion to hard things. As it turns out, our brains are wired to seek out comfort and avoid discomfort. Doing something challenging or uncomfortable triggers a stress response in our brains, releasing cortisol, the hormone responsible for feelings of anxiety and fear. This is why we tend to avoid difficult tasks, as our brains want to protect us from potential harm. Knowing this, I realized that I needed to convince my brain that doing hard things was not a threat to my well-being.

The next thing I did was to reframe my thoughts. Instead of labeling hard things as stressful or unpleasant, I started viewing them as challenges and opportunities for growth. I reminded myself that in order to achieve my goals and improve, I needed to step out of my comfort zone and face difficult tasks head-on. I also started focusing on the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction I would feel once I completed a challenging task. This helped me see hard things in a more positive light, making them less daunting and more manageable.

Another trick that helped me was breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Often, the mere thought of a huge, daunting project would send my brain into a frenzy, making it impossible for me to even start. By breaking it down into smaller tasks, I was able to tackle them one at a time, which not only made the entire project seem less overwhelming, but also gave me a sense of accomplishment as I checked off each task.

I also started incorporating rewards into my approach towards hard things. After completing a particularly challenging task, I would treat myself to something I enjoyed, like watching my favorite TV show or indulging in a delicious meal. This helped motivate me to keep going and reminded me that there was a reward waiting for me at the end.

Lastly, I learned to let go of perfectionism. I used to be so afraid of failing or not doing something perfectly, that I would avoid trying altogether. But I realized that it’s okay to make mistakes and that failing is a part of the learning process. By embracing imperfection and understanding that it’s not the end of the world if I don’t get everything right the first time, I was able to take on challenges without being paralyzed by the fear of failure.

Tricking my brain into liking hard things was not an overnight process, but with consistent effort and determination, I was able to completely change my mindset. I no longer dread difficult tasks, and instead, I see them as opportunities for growth and improvement. I even find myself seeking out challenges instead of avoiding them. This simple trick has not only increased my productivity and improved my work ethic, but it has also boosted my self-confidence and overall well-being. So the next time you find yourself struggling with doing hard things, try these techniques and see the difference they can make. Trust me, your brain will thank you for it.

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Your Brain Is Playing Tricks on You: How the Brain Shapes Opinions and: New
Your Brain Is Playing Tricks on You: How the Brain Shapes Opinions and: New
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