Sachin Sharma

Tag: Focus

  • The Productivity Dilemma: Why Productive Tasks are So Damn Hard

    The Productivity Dilemma: Why Productive Tasks are So Damn Hard

    Have you ever found yourself binge-watching Netflix for hours, yet struggling to write even one sentence of an assignment? Have you ever caught yourself aimlessly scrolling through social media instead of tackling that to-do list? Why is it so much easier to get lost in the world of distraction rather than doing what we know will help us be more productive?

    The answer lies in dopamine.

    Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that helps control our level of excitement and interest in things. It helps us focus and work hard by making things seem more intriguing. So, the activities that we know are good for us often don’t seem interesting because they don’t give us a dopamine boost.

    But there’s hope! Here are some ways to improve your dopamine production and get more done:

    Mind Your Meals

    What we eat has a huge impact on our productivity levels. Make sure you include foods high in proteins, magnesium, and tyrosine such as dairy, fish, cheese, nuts, beans, and lentils in your diet. Avoid processed foods and limit your intake of coffee and alcohol.

    Pair a healthy diet with regular exercise and a good night’s sleep, and you’ll be unstoppable.

    Stay Away from Distractions

    Indulging in addictive activities such as gaming, social media, or watching short videos (reels) during breaks can cause a dopamine surge. This makes it even harder to get motivated for less engaging activities like reading.

    To avoid this, turn off notifications for your apps and limit your social media time to once a day for a set duration. Digital detox and meditation can also help keep your dopamine levels in check.

    Take an hour each day to just sit and be with yourself. In this quiet time, let your mind reset and recharge.

    Mix Productive Tasks with Enjoyable Ones

    If possible, listen to your favorite music while working on an assignment, or enjoy a snack you love while tackling a difficult project. This tricks your brain into thinking “this is okay” and helps you stay focused and calm.

    Avoid multitasking when you have too much on your plate. Instead, make a to-do list and work through it one task at a time. The sense of accomplishment you get from crossing each task off will keep your motivation levels high.

    Minimize distractions by putting on noise-cancelling earphones and disconnecting from the world until you’re done. This will help you work faster and more efficiently.

    Say No to Drugs

    Drugs and alcohol give us a false sense of pleasure by artificially boosting our dopamine levels. This high is temporary, and when it wears off, our dopamine levels crash, leaving us feeling down.

    Sticking to a healthy lifestyle will pay off in the long run by boosting your productivity levels. Sure, it’s okay to have fun during breaks, but keeping your mind focused and calm will help you achieve more in the end.

    A 7-Day Dopamine Detox: How It Changed My Life

    I started the year with a 7-day dopamine detox, and you can check out my experience in this video:

    In conclusion, while distractions may seem more interesting in the moment, choosing a healthy lifestyle is what will make you more productive in the long run. By keeping your mind calm and focused, you’ll achieve more and feel better too.

  • Dream Big: How to Create a Vision and Achieve the Life You Want

    Dream Big: How to Create a Vision and Achieve the Life You Want

    Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions and not really sure where you’re headed? It’s easy to follow the crowd and do what everyone else is doing, but what if you could have your own plan and make your own path? That’s where creating a vision comes in!

    A vision is a clear and specific idea of what you want to achieve in the future. It gives you a sense of direction and purpose, and helps you stay motivated and focused on what’s important to you. Having a vision can also help you make better decisions, set more meaningful goals, and achieve more in life.

    According to a study by the University of Scranton, people who set clear and specific goals are more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. The study also found that people who set goals are more likely to feel satisfied with their lives, and have higher levels of self-esteem and well-being. Another study by the American Psychological Association found that having a sense of purpose in life is associated with better mental health and well-being, as well as a lower risk of depression and anxiety.

    Creating a vision for your life can be a fun and exciting process. Start by thinking about what you truly want in life and what you want to be known for. Think about your values, passions, and strengths, and how you can use them to make a positive impact in the world. Don’t be afraid to dream big and think outside the box. The sky’s the limit!

    Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, it’s time to turn your vision into a plan. Break your vision down into smaller and more manageable goals, and set deadlines for achieving them. Set both short-term and long-term goals, and make sure they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

    It’s also important to be realistic about your goals and not to set yourself up for failure. Remember that achieving a big vision takes time, effort, and persistence. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve your goals right away or if you encounter setbacks along the way. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

    One of the most important things to remember when creating a vision is that it should be something that makes you happy, fulfilled and not what society or others want you to do. A study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that people who pursue their passions and interests are more likely to be happy and satisfied with their lives than those who don’t. The study also found that people who pursue their passions are more likely to have better mental health, higher self-esteem, and more positive relationships.

    Finally, it’s important to remember that your vision should be flexible and open to change. Life is unpredictable, and you may encounter new opportunities or challenges that you didn’t anticipate. Be open to new possibilities and be willing to adjust your vision as needed.

    Additionally, it’s important to take care of your mental health along the way. A study from the University of Liverpool found that people who engage in positive activities and have good mental health are more likely to set and achieve goals. This can include things like exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness.

    In summary, creating a vision for your life and setting specific, measurable goals can greatly increase your chances of achieving what you want in life. By being open to change and taking care of your mental health, you will be able to turn your vision into a reality. So go ahead, dream big and make it happen!