Read this if you keep getting hit with that “ugh, I just don’t feel like it” feeling, and need a step-by-step way to chip away at your work.
Computer is turned on. Check.
Seat is ergonomically positioned; posture is straight. Check.
Website blockers are activated and locked. Check.
Desktop is clean and tidy, chhh—no wait the stapler is crooked. Okay, there—eck.
Coding software is loaded and good to go.
All systems check. Houston, we’re ready for takeoff.
3...
2...
1...
Okay, let’s do this thing—aaaaaaaaaand I don’t feel like it.
Like I really don't feel like doing the work.
C’mon?! Why is this happening to me?!
What is it with that feeling?
That "ugh, I just don't feel like it" sensation.
What is with that feeling? What is with the dreary mix of lethargy and disinterest?
I mean, it's frustrating as heck, right? Because you really can't afford to let some "sentiment" sabotage you and your intentions to get work done. You—the adult with responsibilities and obligations—really can't let yourself waste yet another work session on meaningless and juvenile garbage... all because you, like, "don't feel like it".
So you tell yourself...
Maybe you have an important work or school assignment. Maybe the deadline is in 24 hours. And maybe you know it'll take roughly 8 hours.
So, okay, you're not exactly screwed—not yet anyway. It'd just be nice to, you know, not cram it all in an absolute last-minute frenzy. Be nice to forgo the stress and panic of procrastination—to say nothing of the risk and worry of delivering a shoddy final product.
How can it be done? How can you overcome the resistance and get the work done without procrastinating some more until you feel the suffocating squeeze of an imminent deadline?
Well, the way I see it, you have three options:
💪 Option 1: Power through it.
When you feel resistance, push through with gritted teeth. Tell yourself that motivation is overrated. You need to just sit down, shut up, and command your fingers to tap at the keyboard, letter by letter.
This is possible. But, like wading upstream against a swift current, my-oh-my is it exhausting. Sure, ex-Navy SEALs can wrestle with resistance for hours... but mere mortals like you and I, we just won't have the stamina.
🍫 Option 2: Indulge your craving (temporarily).
Just go with the idea to check LinkedIn or whatever else that’s not yet blocked... in the hopes that the resistance will pass, and you’ll be able to return to work with a clear head and more motivation and focus.
Yeah. No.
It never pans out the way you hope and instead snowballs out of control.
👻 Option 3: Apply the Ghost-House Technique.
Use a mindfulness-based practice to ease your way into a productive flow-state, without force, pressure, or coercion.
This works. Here's how it's done.
The Ghost-House Technique
You're eight years old again, in the basement, playing Super Mario. The Mario you're controlling enters a haunted house level (cue the door-creak soundbite)
You advance a few paces when an angry ghost glides towards Mario from behind. This rattles you, but you manage to turn around just in time. Phew.
Here's the thing. Looking at the ghost doesn't make it go away. There's nothing you can do to eliminate it. Ghosts are immune to everything, including cape whips and fireballs. The only thing Mario can do is manage the ghosts by facing them and making them freeze.
With the ghost immobilized, eight-year-old-you can take a breath and plan the next move.
Okay, I'll jump on that platform; hit that question mark box; run and duck under that flame. Then, I'll turn around to freeze the ghost again so I can regroup and replan.
Ready? Okay, go…
Eight-year-old you then swiftly navigates the obstacles before turning around to face the ghost again. It takes a few stop-and-go cycles, but you manage to finish the level without losing a single life. Success.
You can do the same thing with resistance.
Just like with the ghost, resistance can only be managed. And this is also done by facing it.
Hmm, there it is again. That creepy ghost-like sensation called resistance.
Here's the thing. 'Facing' resistance doesn't make it go away. Observing it is not some psychological fireball you can use to eliminate it. But, with it immobilized, you can plan your next move.
Okay, I feel the resistance. It is what it is and isn't going anywhere. Fine.
Now, first move: open my notebook, read what I wrote in class. Next, circle the argument I noted. From there, I can stop again, regroup and replan.
Ready? Okay, go…
Then, mindful and present, perform your first set of actions diligently, carefully, and slowly.
When you complete those tasks, or when you feel the intensity of ghostly resistance creep too closely... just stop. Turn away from the work. Look at the resistance ghost again. Take a few breaths. Plan your next move. Then go forward some more.
Give yourself the liberty and self-compassion to go through as many "stop, observe, plan, go, stop" sequences as you need. Be patient with yourself.
With enough time and repetition, things may click, escalate, and become self-propelling. Eventually, you might find yourself in a state of productive flow.
At the same time, if it's just not happening—if you're not gaining any momentum and the "ugh, I just don't feel like it" sensation is lingering and demoralizing you to no end—give yourself permission to unplug, get up, and go for a walk.
Come back in a few minutes or so to try again.
Do not force yourself to work.
Not then. Not ever.