How to Combat Akrasia

Published: Nov. 13, 2020, 5:15 a.m.

 • Use mini rewards to make goal- oriented action more pleasurable in the immediate moment. Rewarding yourself for completing smaller chunks of a big task grants you motivating packets of pleasure along the way, instead of having you constantly long for only the grand prize at the end of the road. • Have small, humble goals. A grand, lofty ambition can easily appear so overwhelming and out of reach, not to mention mostly abstract, that you are more inclined to see it as a pipe dream rather than a rousing force that pulls you to action. Breaking down a big goal into smaller ones helps you see the process as more manageable, thus making it easier for you to begin working toward that target. • Embed good habits with ritual and repetition. Implement a structure to your daily routine that will make it automatic for you to perform behaviors toward the achievement of your vision. Once you ingrain such actions in yourself that they become a habit, your lazy self will not even get the chance to talk you out of doing what is truly beneficial for you.  • Finally, be honest with yourself as to when you’re making excuses and seeking the good in actions that don’t really serve your interests. No justifications, no rationalizations— just do it!  Hear it here - http://bit.ly/philosophieshollins Show notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-home Peter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think. For narration information visit Russell Newton at https://bit.ly/VoW-home For production information visit Newton Media Group LLC at https://bit.ly/newtonmg #PeterHollins #TheArtandScienceofSelf-Growth #Akrasia #Plato #Aristotle #Ritual #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #MiniRewards #PhilosophiesonSelfDiscipline