I’m a huge believer in showing up, regardless of the illusion that we call motivation. So now that you’ve clued me into radical incrementalism, I can double down even more. In the fitness world, especially with kettlebells, I recently read about “greasing the groove:” That’s repeating an action so many times that it is baked into your brain and body and becomes somewhat automatic. Your form improves, you get better and stronger.
Cheers! That EXACT thinking is why I am a believer in consistency. Just like in fitness, we naturally improve through putting in reps (greasing the groove), I believe the same happens in writing and business.
Well said, Landon! I also find substituting time-consuming habits with something more rewarding/practical also helps. For example, if I have 20 mins of free time, instead of going on TikTok, I find myself coming onto Substack instead. It’s the small habits that add up over time that gets the ball rolling.
I see the point about motivation being overrated, but I used to rely heavily on the reward system. I'd expect bonuses, raises, and great reviews to keep me going at work.
After getting laid off last year, I took some career quizzes that revealed something crucial - my unhappiness wasn't just about motivation or rewards. It was deeper. The misalignment and lack of real autonomy were draining me daily.
Now I understand why prioritizing myself matters. It's not selfish - when I don't put myself first, I may become cranky and run the risk of spreading that negative energy everywhere. It's why I hold myself accountable by checking my thoughts, feelings, and emotions
The burnout I experienced in my last role was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to step back, recover, and discover what truly works for me.
I have more clarity now than ever before, not because I'm more motivated, but because I've learned to build systems that don't depend on fleeting inspiration or external rewards.
Thank you so much for sharing Amandah. I really do feel this. I shut down a business and took on considerable debt because it no longer felt in alignment. It's unfortunate the way society makes us feel as though prioritizing ourselves is selfish, but I think it's one of the most important things we can do.
Consistency and perseverance. Once it becomes a habit, the inclination to pick up the notebook and pen every morning seems very natural. I produce 4-5 cartoons a week and have to set a schedule. It involves mornings reading several newspapers and writing a few sentences on the topics I find interesting. Seems unnatural now not to.
While reading your latest posts, I can't help but wonder: Are you a Projector in Human Design? Maybe you're not interested in that type of information. Still, I feel that knowing about it could really help you be even more intentional with your writing and with directing your energy precisely to the tasks you want to do.
Consistency, that is my Achilles Heel. After reading this I have an understanding of why! And right this moment, it occurs to me that I do things for others versus being authentically me. I too am new to Substack and I like it now I need to understand how to use it. I don’t enjoy most of the other platforms maybe TikTok mostly for entertainment and LinkedIn mostly for business. Thank you for being authentic and open.
Priority over productivity is such a big point. Absolutely resonated with I didn't write x words daily but I showed up daily. Simple but powerful 🔥 thanks mate 🙏🏾
you just have to sit down and write even if it’s garbage for at least 10 minutes and then the words just hit on the page. I just need to post mine. I have several notebooks full of words on the page some make sense.🤣🤣🤣
I call it a system.
And as you say, it works.
Thanks Don!
I am starting out newly on substack and this is a greta article for me. Thanks 😊
Me too! Here's to prioritizing writing!
Thank you for taking the time to read it!
I love a common sense approach. Thank you.
Those writing challenges have always sounded like a nightmare to me and for me.
Find your own rhythm is sage advice
100%, we are aligned on that.
Raw article. Thank you 🙏🏼
thank you!
I love this article. It's the same with motivation for language learning.
I am so happy you enjoyed it!
I’m a huge believer in showing up, regardless of the illusion that we call motivation. So now that you’ve clued me into radical incrementalism, I can double down even more. In the fitness world, especially with kettlebells, I recently read about “greasing the groove:” That’s repeating an action so many times that it is baked into your brain and body and becomes somewhat automatic. Your form improves, you get better and stronger.
It sounds like you’ve been greasing the groove!
Cheers! That EXACT thinking is why I am a believer in consistency. Just like in fitness, we naturally improve through putting in reps (greasing the groove), I believe the same happens in writing and business.
This next comment seems to be impersonating you
I have blocked them, can you still see it??
No- can’t anymore
Thank goodness.
I'm with you on writing first time in the morning, because as you've said, you've got to pay yourself first.
- If you're not putting in the foundation on something that can give you financial freedom you'll always be at the beck and call of others.
That's what makes me put my butt in the seat and peck away at my keyboard every day.
It's been a game changer. I wrote a piece on moving yourself to the top of your priority list!
Well said, Landon! I also find substituting time-consuming habits with something more rewarding/practical also helps. For example, if I have 20 mins of free time, instead of going on TikTok, I find myself coming onto Substack instead. It’s the small habits that add up over time that gets the ball rolling.
Small habits big rewards. I think little things like that can make massive differences in our lifes.
I see the point about motivation being overrated, but I used to rely heavily on the reward system. I'd expect bonuses, raises, and great reviews to keep me going at work.
After getting laid off last year, I took some career quizzes that revealed something crucial - my unhappiness wasn't just about motivation or rewards. It was deeper. The misalignment and lack of real autonomy were draining me daily.
Now I understand why prioritizing myself matters. It's not selfish - when I don't put myself first, I may become cranky and run the risk of spreading that negative energy everywhere. It's why I hold myself accountable by checking my thoughts, feelings, and emotions
The burnout I experienced in my last role was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to step back, recover, and discover what truly works for me.
I have more clarity now than ever before, not because I'm more motivated, but because I've learned to build systems that don't depend on fleeting inspiration or external rewards.
-Amandah
Thank you so much for sharing Amandah. I really do feel this. I shut down a business and took on considerable debt because it no longer felt in alignment. It's unfortunate the way society makes us feel as though prioritizing ourselves is selfish, but I think it's one of the most important things we can do.
Consistency and perseverance. Once it becomes a habit, the inclination to pick up the notebook and pen every morning seems very natural. I produce 4-5 cartoons a week and have to set a schedule. It involves mornings reading several newspapers and writing a few sentences on the topics I find interesting. Seems unnatural now not to.
It amazing when you can cement in the habit to become an extension of your daily routine! I think this is goal for many. Great work
Thank you for writing this, Landon. Needed to hear/read this.
Thank you for reading Abdul. I am grateful you found this helpful.
While reading your latest posts, I can't help but wonder: Are you a Projector in Human Design? Maybe you're not interested in that type of information. Still, I feel that knowing about it could really help you be even more intentional with your writing and with directing your energy precisely to the tasks you want to do.
I'm a generator.
Oh, wow, that’s a surprise! Thanks for sharing.
No problem.
Consistency, that is my Achilles Heel. After reading this I have an understanding of why! And right this moment, it occurs to me that I do things for others versus being authentically me. I too am new to Substack and I like it now I need to understand how to use it. I don’t enjoy most of the other platforms maybe TikTok mostly for entertainment and LinkedIn mostly for business. Thank you for being authentic and open.
Thank you for taking the time to read Hazel. I hope this helps you on your journey. You have everything within you already.
Priority over productivity is such a big point. Absolutely resonated with I didn't write x words daily but I showed up daily. Simple but powerful 🔥 thanks mate 🙏🏾
Thank you!! Truly appreciate you taking the time to read.
you just have to sit down and write even if it’s garbage for at least 10 minutes and then the words just hit on the page. I just need to post mine. I have several notebooks full of words on the page some make sense.🤣🤣🤣
Love that! Sounds like such a great practice.
Thanks, Landon