An idea for lessening stimulation
Waiting for a person or company to stop our dopamine economy is a lost cause. We have to create environments that lessen stimulation and here's one idea.
It’s easier than ever to distract ourselves away from feeling emotions.
Our society is a dopamine economy where almost everything we do and touch has dopamine-spiking effects.
Smartphones, TVs, the internet, GrubHub, Postmates, etc.
If we’re waiting for a person or company to make it stop, it’s a lost cause.
We’ll die before that ever happens.
This is why we must create an environment for ourselves that lessens stimulation.
Doing so returns our dopamine threshold to a regular range, and we can feel joy again during regular activities.
Ones like cooking, playing with our children, reading, and more.
For the remainder of June, each TGS email will have one idea for lessening stimulation.
I hope they spark inspiration and get you started to take back your life.
1. Single Tasking
This is a habit I’ve been working on for over a year: single-tasking.
I used to have fifteen tabs open on my computer with the TV on in the background while answering texts simultaneously.
After noticing how much this ping-ponging habit drained me, I decided that single-tasking seemed non-negotiable.
When we focus on one task at a time, we get into a state of flow.
We feel less overwhelmed and more satisfied with the things we do.
Single-tasking is challenging because it requires us to embrace limitations and be willing to say no to everything but the one thing we decide to do.
With so many quick, cheap feedback loops, why would we want to say no to everything?
We must do so if we want to get centered again.
In Action
Test out having as few tabs open on your computer as possible.
Or eating lunch in silence.
A different yet great way to incorporate single-tasking is by having a time and place for everything.
For example, you watch TV or catch up on YouTube videos once a week rather than doing it daily, where it becomes a habit.
Same with scheduling meetings.
Make them only on one or two days if possible.
Batching like tasks with like tasks makes the brain efficient and less sporadic.
In what way do you already single-task?
What’s the first thing you’d do if you started single-tasking today?
Francesca
Did this spark any thoughts, questions, or insights? Tell us in the comments. I love hearing from you, and you never know who else needs what you have to say!
Good Quote
“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
- Goethe
Good Question
Move up the ladder to higher vibrations by writing at the top of a blank page:
What’s the first thing I'd do if I started single-tasking today?
and see what flows from your pen. No judgment or editing.
Good Thinking
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Did this inspire any thoughts, questions, or revelations? Tell us in the comments. I love hearing from you, and you never know who else needs what you have to say!