If you’ve ever felt that heavy resistance to getting something done—even though you know it matters—believe me, I get it. Maybe it’s a big task, like preparing for an exam or starting a project at work. Maybe it’s something small, like making a call, tidying up, or finally getting to that pile of laundry.
Whatever it is, there’s a kind of internal resistance that stops you in your tracks, making you feel stuck, frustrated, and sometimes even ashamed. This can turn into a cycle, where the guilt of not doing something makes it even harder to get it done.
The truth is, this isn’t a sign that you’re lazy or incapable. Our minds often react to stress in ways that work against us, even when we think we’re just “motivating” ourselves. It’s easy to believe that more pressure will push us to work harder, but too much pressure does the opposite.
The harder we push, the more likely we are to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or, eventually, unable to take action at all.
In my own experience, I’ve found that the answer isn’t in working harder—it’s in working smarter, with an approach that gives me room to breathe. After years of trying to “force” my way through everything, I learned that taking a gentler approach was much more productive and sustainable. Backing off a bit, and even permitting myself to be imperfect, allowed me to get more done with less anxiety. When I stopped treating every task as a high-stakes event, I started seeing real, lasting improvements in my motivation and performance.
This isn’t about avoiding hard work; it’s about approaching it in a way that respects your limits and leverages your strengths. Take some pressure off yourself, and notice what happens. Remind yourself that a single mistake, a bad grade, or an uncompleted task won’t lead to disaster. This mindset shift is a game-changer, and you’ll start to notice a difference with practice.
If this resonates with you, I've created a video that dives deeper into these steps and shares more strategies. You can watch it below. There’s no quick fix for the challenges you face, but there are better ways to move forward—and I’m here with you in that process.
- Scott
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