Two weeks ago I started an Applied Neuroscience certificate program and I’m learning so much about the way our brains function!
One concept that has stuck with me so far is the Progress Loop. This concept has to do with motivation.
The brain can’t attend to your internal thoughts (default mode network) and accomplish a task (central executive network) at the same time. This means if you try to get motivated before you start a task, you are keeping yourself in default mode where it’s impossible to get work accomplished.
You need to get out of default mode and into your central executive network first! In my program, the instructor shared two simple ways to get into this “task mode”:
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Get out of your head and into the room (by noticing your surroundings)
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Start working on a very small and simple task
Progress in meaningful work, no matter how small, influences motivation and leads to an upward spiral of accomplishing tasks. This is the progress loop.
And this is why waiting until you are motivated is counter productive 😊
So the next time you need to accomplish something and don’t feel like it, remember the progress loop and get out of your default brain and into your task brain!
Working with a coach helps you make progress faster, easier AND it’s WAY more fun! If you want to progress in some area of your life and just haven’t been able to yet, click the button in the lower right corner and schedule a FREE coaching call with me.