Great read as always. It's like you always know exactly what I need to hear! So grateful for these emails and for everything you write and share with the world :)
Hey Michael - I'm so glad you found it helpful! And yes, you don't have a motivation problem. It's just a bit stuck in one area versus the one you want!
Love this post, Sabrina. You give wonderful practical advice and neuroscience behind it -- all wrapped up in beautiful prose.
My favorite section (it was hard to choose!):
"A distraction break is fine in between periods of focused effort. But when the tug of mindless flitting feels like a siren’s call enticing you onto the land of lost time, you must pay attention.
This is the paradox of how our brains work. We crave ease but thrive on effort."
Your observations touch on a fundamental truth about the human condition: our aversion to discomfort and the paradox of growth. At its core, the restless cycle of distractions reflects a deeper struggle - not just with focus but with purpose. We avoid discomfort because it forces us to confront our limitations, question our habits, and sit with truths we often prefer to ignore. Yet, it is precisely in those moments of resistance where the seeds of transformation are planted.
Your insight about effort being both our challenge and our salvation is profound. True fulfillment isn’t found in fleeting dopamine hits or mindless busyness but in meaningful struggle. It’s not just about retraining the mind but about shifting your perspective to see discomfort as a necessary part of growth. When we see effort not as a burden but as a bridge, connecting us to clarity, purpose, and the deeper parts of ourselves - we unlock a richer, more intentional way of living. This isn’t just about productivity; it’s about becoming.
Doing one thing at a time and only thinking about that one thing certainly stops overwhelm for me! Great article! Plus, you caught me with a diversionary snack (milk and crackers) which made me smile :-)
I am trying to get off autopilot more because these habits become so pervasive.
When I have to write up summaries and notes at work, I have to make myself sit and finish. I get so tempted to do anything but and it drags for days if I don't!
Sabrina - I wish Substack had the highlight capacity of Medium as I'd highlight this:
"It’s possibly the most important step because sitting through discomfort is how you retrain your brain and expand your focused attention skills" .
This explanation makes it wonderfully clear why I am here reading my email (though in this case it was very useful!!) instead of getting on with my very important tasks - Thank you!
Great read as always. It's like you always know exactly what I need to hear! So grateful for these emails and for everything you write and share with the world :)
This means so much Cassie. Appreciate your time to read and share your thoughts.
Hope you're handling the weather OK!
Hey Sabrina. This is a fantastic article and precisely what I need in 2025! I "don't have a motivation problem."
Thanks Sabrina. I appreciate that!
Hey Michael - I'm so glad you found it helpful! And yes, you don't have a motivation problem. It's just a bit stuck in one area versus the one you want!
You got this my friend 🙌💜
Love this post, Sabrina. You give wonderful practical advice and neuroscience behind it -- all wrapped up in beautiful prose.
My favorite section (it was hard to choose!):
"A distraction break is fine in between periods of focused effort. But when the tug of mindless flitting feels like a siren’s call enticing you onto the land of lost time, you must pay attention.
This is the paradox of how our brains work. We crave ease but thrive on effort."
Thank you for this important reminder!
So glad that part resonated with you Kathy.
That's the internal tug-of-war I feel often!
Hope you can find daily ways to apply this to for all the wonderful things you're doing!
Your observations touch on a fundamental truth about the human condition: our aversion to discomfort and the paradox of growth. At its core, the restless cycle of distractions reflects a deeper struggle - not just with focus but with purpose. We avoid discomfort because it forces us to confront our limitations, question our habits, and sit with truths we often prefer to ignore. Yet, it is precisely in those moments of resistance where the seeds of transformation are planted.
Your insight about effort being both our challenge and our salvation is profound. True fulfillment isn’t found in fleeting dopamine hits or mindless busyness but in meaningful struggle. It’s not just about retraining the mind but about shifting your perspective to see discomfort as a necessary part of growth. When we see effort not as a burden but as a bridge, connecting us to clarity, purpose, and the deeper parts of ourselves - we unlock a richer, more intentional way of living. This isn’t just about productivity; it’s about becoming.
Such a wonderful overview and getting to the core of the piece Iqrasense.
It is a key important point to own - discomfort is part of life and growth.
That's why acceptance commitment therapy and related processes appeals to me.
It's about mindfully accepting and sitting with discomfort. Then taking values-based action regardless. True becoming as you say. Thanks!
Doing one thing at a time and only thinking about that one thing certainly stops overwhelm for me! Great article! Plus, you caught me with a diversionary snack (milk and crackers) which made me smile :-)
Hehe yes I caught you lol!
I am trying to get off autopilot more because these habits become so pervasive.
When I have to write up summaries and notes at work, I have to make myself sit and finish. I get so tempted to do anything but and it drags for days if I don't!
It's so easy to make an excuse and do something less tedious instead.
Sabrina - I wish Substack had the highlight capacity of Medium as I'd highlight this:
"It’s possibly the most important step because sitting through discomfort is how you retrain your brain and expand your focused attention skills" .
This explanation makes it wonderfully clear why I am here reading my email (though in this case it was very useful!!) instead of getting on with my very important tasks - Thank you!
Thanks Fi! Great to hear from you. It's so hard to sit through discomfort because we have so many tasks that drive it.
It pays to endure it because we get much more done and it starts to feel easier.
The paradox still blows my mind!