It’s Too Hard to Even Make It There

It’s Too Hard to Even Make It There

Alright, Let’s see what I’ve got on my list here. Visit the gym. Are you kidding me?”

 


Sometimes the simplest things can feel like the heaviest weights. The simpler they are, the more we paradoxically “can’t be bothered.”

Head to the garage, show up to the dishes, open the report – without even needing to do anything. All come with a wave of revulsion.

In such states, how can we ever move forward?

While I often and continue to espouse a Visit as a powerful unit of work, it may yet be too difficult to even make it there. Despite not needing to do a thing, to only show up for a single deep breath and feel free to let it go beyond, the bind of appearing at all is still too much.

What then?

We might discover a path forward from those times we’ve been in play.

When we enjoy something, naturally, we might bump into frustrations, take stock of where we are, slow down, break it down, simplify, and find some ease once again, and finally return with that ease back into challenge.

Dynamically, we tune to windows of challenge for where we are in that moment. We find those places that are not so easy to be boring, but not so intense as to be overwhelming.

We can adapt that same process to difficult work, only by bringing the process to consciousness.

Whether slowing down, breaking something down into the tiniest of tiny next steps, or finding a fundamental basic within the complex moment, there may be something we can work into an ease, a being-able-to-do-with-barely-a-thought, even if that is to hardly lift a leg off the couch.

If able to have found that path to tiny ease, we can then ask,

“Can I gently bring that ease with me forward into some next step?”

Sometimes, we may even be able to continue onward to make a Visit, stepping up to the work to stare at the vista, now with our full emotional being. We can then fully decide whether or not to engage that Wave of Focus, as smooth or rough as it may end up being.

– Kourosh

PS. The next time you find yourself in play, consider if you can see these steps of approaching challenge, naturally unfolding in the background.

Join the Weekly Wind Down Newsletter

Get a weekly letter about getting to play and meaningful work. Start getting where you want to be with calm focus. You’ll receive free samples of:

  • Creating Flow with OmniFocus
  • Taking Smart Notes with DEVONthink
  • Workflow Mastery
  • PDF on beating deadlines with ease using the Touching the Keys Technique

Recent Posts

It’s Too Hard to Even Make It There

It’s Too Hard to Even Make It There

Alright, Let’s see what I’ve got on my list here. Visit the gym. Are you kidding me?”   Sometimes the simplest things can feel like the heaviest weights. The simpler they are, the more we paradoxically “can’t be bothered.” Head to the garage, show up to the...

read more
The 4 Limits of Productivity

The 4 Limits of Productivity

“I found a new productivity app. It’s the greatest thing evar!!!” Fast forward 2 months…. “Another system down the drain…” ​ It would seem that: “There’s just something wrong with me”. After all, the common denominator is not the app or the system. It seems to be...

read more
Finding Stronger Roots

Finding Stronger Roots

It can be so difficult to describe a thing we do, particularly if it's what we live and breathe. Recently, I put out a Rhythms of Focus episode in which I attempted to describe the nature of the Waves of Focus, what is quite likely my life's work. Wouldn't that be a...

read more
The Trouble Isn’t Interest, It’s Force

The Trouble Isn’t Interest, It’s Force

Dear [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], The Waves of Focus course and community is now open to new members through November 2nd. Kourosh _________________________ "I just can't get started! Oh, but once I can, I'm good to go." A familiar refrain from many a wandering mind. Too...

read more
Self-Compassion and the Emotional Roots of Procrastination

Self-Compassion and the Emotional Roots of Procrastination

In this episode, we delve into the roots of procrastination with Dr. Fuschia Sirois, a professor of social and health psychology at Durham University, who has over 25 years of research experience in procrastination and its relationship to emotions. The discussion covers how self-compassion can play a critical role in managing procrastination, the impact of societal norms on our productivity, and the importance of addressing emotional responses to improve motivation and reduce procrastination. Dr. Sirois introduces her TEMPO toolkit, designed to help individuals manage procrastination by addressing the emotional causes behind it, providing practical strategies and exercises for better emotional regulation. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to understand and overcome procrastination through a compassionate and emotionally intelligent approach.

read more
A Delight in Craft

A Delight in Craft

The value of craftsmanship and meaningful work through personal anecdotes, football , and more.

read more
Skip to content