The internet is full of advice on how to succeed. After pouring over dozens of articles and books, I can simplify most advice down to one tip: just start.
But as any procrastinator knows, starting is like, the hardest part.
We’ll cover some success advice, and touch on some hacks to help you get started and achieve your dreams.
Meditate to Gain Focus and Relieve Anxiety
Feeling stuck? Try meditating for ten minutes.
Meditation is nothing new, but the practice is gaining fervor. There are tons of benefits. Meditation reduces anxiety and depression and helps people gain focus.
Best of all, anyone can start meditating with no resources, absolutely free.
To meditate, sit in a spot, and bring your attention to your breath. Watch your thoughts pass by, and let them go.
The idea is not to not think of anything, nor is it to focus on any one thing. Watch your thoughts go past. If your mental sky is empty, that’s a good thing. Sit and be at peace.
Read Something that Inspires You
What do all the most successful people have in common? They read voraciously. Bill Gates reads about 50 books per year. Warren Buffet is even more extreme. He reads between 500 to 1,000 pages PER DAY.
So are you feeling stuck? Read something in your field that inspires you or can spark a new idea.
Take Care of Your Health
What’s a good way to kill your motivation for the entire day? Sit down with a bowl of ice cream and watch an episode on Netflix.
This does no good for you because it sabotages your health. When you’re feeling down, this might be the first thing you want to do, but it’s definitely not the best.
Instead, make yourself a healthy meal, or go for a jog or do some yoga. Taking care of your health and fueling your body will give you more energy for the long haul.
Use Substances Strategically (Looking at You Coffee)
While we’re not advocating you pick up a drug habit, we do want you to pay attention to the way you already use drugs.
Even substances like nicotine and marijuana have medical and focus benefits. A new trend of stoned exercise has sprouted up in states with legal weed.
And new studies are showing actual health benefits to nicotine. Of course, this only applies once you take away the toxins in cigarettes. You can find more info here.
The idea is to pay attention to the way you use these substances. So if your energy is low, or your focus is lacking, go ahead and grab a cup of coffee or step out for a smoke break.
How to Succeed: Just Start
Procrastination isn’t a motivation issue, it’s a mood issue. When your mood is low, try any of the above tips to give yourself energy or a motivational boost. Want to know how to succeed? Learn how to just start.
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