How To Get Started On Anything
A blog Smart Graduate School Applications discusses about a social psychology theory called Two Factor Theory of Emotion, which predicts the elements of a person’s environment can have a significant impact to their emotion state.
The post follows on and describes this can link to how we can overcome procrastination. He suggests to start on a project while sipping coffee. He finds coffee impacts his positive emotion towards his task:
I usually work on multiple projects at the same time, and whenever a new project comes along, I find it really difficult to actually get started. Once I’ve begun making progress, I’m able to move smoothly without any problems. It’s the getting started that’s really difficult, especially if it’s something I’m not really interested in. At an intellectual level I know I have to get started, but I’m not able to summon up the motivation to begin.
For the last few months, the most reliable technique I’ve found to help me get started is to take the work to a coffee shop and begin while sipping coffee. I’ve found that this allows me to get excited about whatever is in front of me at that time. My brain appears to misattribute the physiological response to coffee as excitement about whatever I’m working on at that time…
How To Get Started On Anything – [Smart Graduate School Applications]
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Comments
sipping semen says on December 28th, 2006 at 10:17 am
lame howto
Studio717 says on December 28th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
If all it took was drinking coffee, I’d be a hell of a lot more productive than I am. I’m betting it’s the coffee shop, not the coffee. Away from usual distractions and people to chat with, it’s much easier to focus on what you’re needing to get done.
Damien says on December 28th, 2006 at 5:13 pm
I love any article that promotes coffee!!!
tim says on December 28th, 2006 at 9:51 pm
Leon:
Everybody’s got a different motivation. Motivation is an inside job. If there’s something that one can do to stir the fires of inspiration and perspiration, then go for it.
I happen to find that I do some of my better work at night when I take the time to brew a pot of coffee before I sit down to work. It might only be the caffeine, but there’s also something to the practice. Maybe it’s the ritual of the whole thing.
If it works…go for it.
Leon says on December 29th, 2006 at 6:25 am
Tim, Studio717: Sounds about right – Ritual, or a motivational “switch”. It probably relates to the latest post today on motivation.
Maarburg says on December 29th, 2006 at 3:12 pm
Don’t be to quick to dismiss this.
Essentially what is happinging is the association of coffee (something the author obviously enjoys) with something that the author does not enjoy. By associating the coffee with the beginning of a project, they are creating a positive response.
Think of Pavlov’s dog. The bell (new project) creates no positive response, but given association and repetition with a postitive stimulus, the bell we cause the desired behavior.
-M