If you’re feeling blue, even though the last thing you feel like doing is.something you don’t feel like doing, push yourself. Studies show that hitting a goal releases chemicals in the brain that give you pleasure. Remind yourself that finishing a dreaded task is tremendously energizing.On the top of a piece of paper, write, “By October 31, I will have _.” This also gives you the thrill of crossing a task off your list. Usually this advice relates to long-term goals, but it works with short-term tasks, too. But this really works, so force yourself to do it. We’ve all heard the advice to write down your goals. Mis-en-place is preparation, but it’s also a state of mind it means you have everything at the ready, with no need to run out to the store or begin a frantic search. There’s a wonderful term that chefs use: mis-en-place, French for “everything in its place.” It describes the preparation done before starting to cook-gathering ingredients and implements, chopping, measuring, etc. I often find that when I’m dreading a task, it helps me to feel prepared. Clean off your desk, get the phone number, find the file. Make preparations, assemble the proper tools.Having a friend along can be a distraction, a source of reassurance, or moral support. Studies show that we enjoy practically every activity more when we’re with other people. If you’re finding it hard to go for a walk four times a week, try going every day. There’s no dithering, there’s no juggling. As counter-intuitive as it sounds, I’ve found that it’s easier to do it every day (well, except Sundays) than fewer times each week. Then a blogging friend convinced me that no, I should post every day. When I was planning my blog, I envisioned posting two or three times a week. If you find yourself putting off a task that you try to do several times a week, just do it every day.One of my Twelve Commandments is “Do it now.” No delay is the best way. If you’re dreading doing something, you’re going to be able to think of more creative excuses as the day goes along.
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