Time management is pain management

Since dissatisfaction and discomfort are our default state, we naturally want to alleviate that by continually transitioning to different states, which will also inevitably become uncomfortable for us. And the process continues.

This is counterproductive to accomplishing our goals, which require focus. You need to align your time with your values to establish intent. Anything done without intent is a distraction. So dedicate time to the things you value.

This also changes the metric for success. Success isn't necessarily achieving an outcome, it's spending your time in the way you intended. That doesn't mean it isn't difficult to do. In fact, it probably will be. But at least you'll have made a conscious decision on how to use your time. Knowing that helps manage the discomfort.

Related thoughts

• Attention and focus are the raw materials of human creativity.
• All motivation is a desire to escape discomfort.
• Feeling contented wasn't good for the species.
• Dissatisfaction and discomfort dominate our brain's default state. Therefore, it is totally normal. Contentment is not the norm.
• "If I know how you spend your time, then I know what might become of you." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
• Start with your values. Then understand why you're doing something. Then decide to do it.
• A value is the fixed point we use to help us navigate our life choices.
• We don't make time for our values.
• Without planning ahead, it's impossible to tell the difference between traction and distraction.
• We make sure we have traction by turning our values into time.
• Planning ahead ensures you'll follow through.
• You can't call something a distraction unless you know what it is distracting you from.
• Distraction is always an unhealthy escape from reality.

Last modified on Jan 14, 2025