As a knowledge worker, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constant distraction and diminished output. Social media, endless emails, household chores – the modern world bombards us with attention-stealing temptations at every turn. But what if a simple yet powerful antidote existed?
The Do-or-Do-Nothing method
This laser-focused approach, famously employed by detective fiction writer Raymond Chandler, operates on one core principle: When it’s time to write, you write. No ifs, ands, or buts. No giving in to the siren call of procrastination. You sit down during your designated writing time and either put words on the page or do nothing. No “research.” No “brainstorming.” No organizing your pencil drawer for the umpteenth time. Write or do nothing!
The power of constraint
By ruthlessly limiting your options, the Do-or-Do-Nothing method eliminates decision fatigue and channels all your mental energy into the task at hand. When your brain recognizes that doomscrolling Twitter is not on the menu, it quickly gets the message and settles into a focused flow state.
This constraint also short-circuits rationalizations and negotiations with yourself. No more “I’ll just answer a few quick emails and then get started.” No more “I’m not feeling inspired right now, I’ll write later.” The method demands that you confront the work head-on right now. Discomfort be damned.
Putting it into practice
Implementing Do-or-Do-Nothing is simple but not easy. It requires unwavering commitment and a willingness to sit with frustration. Here’s how to make it work:
By wholeheartedly committing to the Do-or-Do-Nothing approach, you’re not just optimizing your time at the desk. You’re training your brain to conquer resistance, redrawing the boundaries of your capabilities. You’re becoming the kind of person who shows up, day after day, without flinching. And that is a superpower!
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