Research about the brain is fascinating. A recent Lifehacker article pointed out some of the tricks the brain plays on us. These tricks can interfere with progress and reduce our daily productivity.
For instance, our brains often trick us into believing that busy work is the same as productive, measurable work. John Bargh concluded that our minds love robotic activity that mimics other people. When we convince ourselves that we are busy, we can excuse ourselves from pursuing important tasks.
This is a common obstacle for people who want to discover and pursue their whys. They mistake being busy for making progress, but the two are not the same. Only through retrospect do they discover how much time they actually waste each day. So, how can you overcome the mind games your brain is playing?
You need to have a plan against which you can evaluate your progress and determine the viability of a possible action. As you begin to determine and pursue your why, you will find yourself fighting your mind’s natural tendency to do what you’ve always done.
There is a difference between visualizing living your why and fantasizing about it. When you fantasize, your mind responds as if you’ve already achieved the goal. This can shut down progress and work against you. When you visualize living your why, you stay motivated to pursue it. Visualize your why!
Your mind is both the greatest asset and the greatest liability to determining and living your why. Harness its power and keep moving toward the future. Otherwise, you’ll keep reliving the past. Think about it.
Is your brain playing mind games? How can you stay focused on your why?
Terry Hadaway’s newest book, Live Your Why, will walk you through a process that will help you discover and live your why. The book and discovery guide will focus your personality, passions, and opportunities in a way that gives you a clearer understanding of the path for your life. Order your copy today!
