# Act Quickly to Sustain Your Motivation and Productivity
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Action
In my years of being self-employed, I've explored countless methods to maintain my motivation.
I experimented with waking up at 4:00 a.m. and completing major tasks before 10:00 a.m. I filled my days to the brim, listened to motivational videos every hour, exercised regularly, adhered to strict routines, adorned my walls with inspirational images, and set reminders on my phone to keep me driven. I reflected on my purpose, pushed myself harder, worked late into the night, and oscillated between being overly emotional and completely detached. Yet, out of all these strategies, one principle stood out:
Acting Quickly!
The effectiveness of these techniques often stemmed from this fundamental idea of taking swift action throughout the day. When we act promptly, maintain busy schedules, and refrain from overthinking our tasks, we naturally stay motivated. This doesn't stem from gaining motivation but rather from not obstructing the motivation we already possess.
Every small action we take is rooted in some form of motivation. We eat due to hunger, drink for thirst, and seek happiness because we're motivated by the prospect of joy. Without motivation, in any form, we can't even choose to relax on the couch—procrastination itself requires a level of motivation.
However, our thoughts can often block our motivation. When we start contemplating our tasks—why we should rise, eat, or engage in any activity—we can feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work involved. Mel Robbins suggests a practical solution: the 3–2–1 rule for getting out of bed. By initiating a countdown, similar to a space shuttle launch, we can bypass the urge to think too much. When the countdown reaches zero, we must act despite our hesitations. This approach applies to all aspects of life.
While it may seem challenging or even uncomfortable, if we commit to action despite our reluctance, we will succeed. Not overthinking our decisions means there's no barrier to our motivation. The key lies in acting swiftly.
Our thoughts won’t have the opportunity to conjure up worries about potential failures or remind us of past mistakes. They won't have time to tempt us into staying cozy in bed or procrastinating. If you want to maintain your motivation throughout the day, eliminate the "why," "how," "when," and "where," and concentrate solely on the "what."
Plan your tasks a day or two ahead. When it's time to execute, just do it! Consider your intentions beforehand, commit, and disregard everything else!
"How do we begin?" — "There is no beginning or end, only action!" — Dan Millman & Socrates, Peaceful Warrior
You've probably heard this advice countless times, yet many still struggle to implement it. Stop waiting for the perfect moment; take action now. The most productive high-performers in our society don’t waste time deliberating; they simply execute their plans.
Of course, they allocate time for planning and reflection, but that's separate from the execution phase! This approach helps them avoid unnecessary worries and fears. They act first and tackle challenges as they arise.
"If you spend too much time pondering a task, you'll never complete it." — Bruce Lee
Our thoughts often become the most significant obstacles to our actions. The best strategy is to minimize the time we give our thoughts to overshadow our actions. Designate specific times for reflection, but keep those thoughts out of your daily routine.
To maintain motivation, keep your schedule packed from start to finish. Ideally, plan your week in a way that keeps you busy enough that motivation becomes an added bonus rather than a necessity. Embrace each day with vigor, act promptly, and reserve time at day's end to reflect on tomorrow's tasks. But when the next day arrives, jump into action once more.
Section 1.1: Overcoming Mental Blocks
Understanding how to combat the mental barriers that hinder our motivation is essential.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Planning
Section 1.2: Strategies for Action
Chapter 2: Embrace the Momentum
In this video, "Act FAST Animation," discover the power of swift action and how it can transform your productivity and motivation.
The second video, "Act FAST Animation - Every Minute Counts," highlights the critical importance of acting quickly and maintaining focus on your goals.