When self help books and motivational content has the opposite effect
How relying on self help books, gurus and motivational content can often be the reason you're unable to get much done.
One of the books I’m currently reading is Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey.
It’s an amazing read, so far, with practical guidance on how to eliminate distractions, focus better and recharge your attention to meaningful work.
It’s really helping me get into Deep Work (Cal Newport) mode but in a more in-the-moment kind of way. The lessons in the book will most likely be shared with you here.
But here’s the thing:
Both books recommend certain conditions for deep work or hyperfocus to take place. Mostly easy and doable ideas—but there are times when I simply can’t work distraction free as the books suggest…
It’s just normal life.
And what I’ve noticed is when I can’t have those “perfect conditions” it turns—ironically— into an excuse to do less work.
I’ve talked about the danger of expecting perfect conditions before. It’s this attitude that creeps into our minds and in our discussions… it becomes an excuse for not taking action…
I’ll work on my assignment as soon as I tidy my room.
I didn’t go to the mosque so I’ll just pray a little later.
We can’t change things because Muslims need to do [fill in the blank] first.
The last one is so dangerous. This attitude of wanting something but believing it won’t happen because Muslims are lacking somehow.
Expecting perfect conditions before we take action is connected to what we covered in yesterday’s newsletter as it relates to goal setting and Qadr.
It’s all just excuses. The worst kind—blaming others.
Blaming others is the negative emotion holding you back from achieving your goals more than any other.
And is likewise remedied with effective goal setting, just like I walk you through in the guide.
Without my goals pulling me each day, I’m at risk of letting these excuses… these negative emotions take over.
When things aren’t going my way… when things aren’t perfect… I can still do the bare minimum for my goal each day—the small deed done consistently…
That’s the irony of relying on self help books and motivational content without the solid foundation of goal setting to keep you anchored.
And I know you can relate.
Right now you’re thinking of the things you wish you had done or might still do but let negative emotions get in your way…
And you can take the first step towards achieving your dreams today:
I strongly recommend you go to the goal setting guide right now and do the exercises so you can also have the solid foundation to build your ideal life upon.