Self-Discipline for Tedious, Boring, and Difficult Things

None of us can control the fact that there are some annoying tasks and obligations we’re required to do in life, but we can control how we do those things and the way we think about them.

the more immersed you are and the fewer distractions you indulge in, the quicker the work goes and the less tired you feel.

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” —Carl Sandburg

Being engaged in deep work can feel great—and procrastinators are sometimes surprised by just how much they can do once they’ve gotten started. But resist the temptation to do just five more minutes, even if you’re feeling really engaged.

he entire system falls apart if you’re muddling through your work with half a brain or thinking about all the things you’re going to do while you’re supposed to be relaxing.

“Time is the coin of your life.

but we can control what we pay attention to, what we say no to, and how we manage our path through those distractions.

but we can control how we do those things and the way we think about them.

Wanting success without effort is precisely the kind of slacker ideology that we are going to leave behind. The objective here is not to find a way for you to magically find hard work less hard, or to trick yourself into believing that the more disciplined path is the easier, more comfortable path. I’m not going to tell you that, for one simple reason: It’s just not true.

The core principles—accountability, commitment, and greatness in the moment