Sachin Sharma

Tag: Self-doubt

  • 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.

  • The Irony of Success: Why People With Better Ideas Don’t Always Succeed

    The Irony of Success: Why People With Better Ideas Don’t Always Succeed

    Have you ever met someone who seemed to lack intelligence yet was incredibly successful? On the flip side, have you also known people with amazing ideas who seem to struggle in life? It’s easy to blame success or failure on luck, but what if we could uncover the real reasons behind these disparities?

    The key to changing the status quo is to start by admitting that you may be doing something wrong and then carefully analyzing the difference between your habits and those of the successful individuals. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the common reasons why people with great ideas don’t always succeed, and what you can do to overcome these obstacles.

    Letting Perfectionism Take Over

    At first glance, perfectionism might seem like a positive trait, but it can actually hold you back. Perfectionists tend to spend too much time fixing minor details that don’t have a significant impact on the final outcome. It’s important to understand that these habits stem from an obsession to do things perfectly, rather than doing what’s required and then some. Remember, the goal is to deliver results, not perfection.

    Being a Cynical Self-Critique

    While self-reflection and self-critique are important for improving your work, it’s possible to take this too far. For example, if a client asks for a 500-word article, spending an entire day writing the best piece may not be worth it if it results in poor time management skills. Sometimes, it’s best to trust an editor or reviewer to help improve your work.

    Letting Self-Doubt Hinder Action

    A mind full of ideas can also be a mind full of self-doubt. Constantly questioning the feasibility of your ideas can render them useless. Instead of waiting until you’ve learned everything to start working, embrace the learning process and start taking action. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish by starting small and building from there.

    Fear of the Unknown

    Our minds naturally try to protect us from facing our fears, but this protection can hold us back. Doing something new can be scary and leave us vulnerable to failure and embarrassment. However, the best way to overcome this fear is to face it head on. Remember, it’s okay to fail and it’s okay to make mistakes. What’s important is to learn from these experiences and keep moving forward.

    Bad Implementation

    Idea generation is just the first step, the real challenge is in implementing them effectively. This requires good communication skills, practical knowledge, and the ability to turn your ideas into reality. The way you communicate your ideas can make or break their success. A good example of this is a great novel that was turned into a bad movie due to poor communication.

    Lack of Practicality

    Some ideas may sound great on paper, but they may not be feasible in the real world. For example, having a romantic dinner at the top of the Burj Khalifa sounds amazing, but it may not be possible to get the necessary permissions. The hardest part is getting started, but once you do, it becomes easier to build and grow from there. Don’t be afraid to experiment, observe, and revise your ideas to make them more practical.

    In conclusion, there is only so much you can learn without taking action. So, the next time you have a great idea, take the time to plan out how you will bring it to life. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you turn your ideas into reality.

  • The Inspiration Trap: How Success Stories Can Harm Your Self-Esteem

    The Inspiration Trap: How Success Stories Can Harm Your Self-Esteem

    With the rise of social media and influencer culture, it’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of other people’s success stories. We see someone go from rags to riches overnight and think, “If they can do it, so can I.” But what we don’t see is the years of hard work, the failures, and the sacrifices they made to get to where they are today.

    Success stories are everywhere, but they’re not always the truth. In fact, many of them are nothing more than carefully crafted PR campaigns designed to make us believe that anyone can become a millionaire with a little bit of effort and determination. The problem is that this simply isn’t true. Not everyone has the resources, the opportunities, or the talent to make it big, and that’s okay. But when we constantly compare ourselves to these “overnight success” stories, it can harm our self-esteem and lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and dissatisfaction.

    So, what is the true measure of success? Is it about making as much money as possible, or is it about finding happiness, inner peace, and fulfillment in life? It’s important to remember that success means different things to different people, and that’s okay. What’s important is that we find our own definition of success and work towards achieving it in a way that brings us joy, not anxiety.

    One of the greatest minds of our time, Steve Jobs, once said, “The wealth I have won in my life I cannot bring with me. What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love. That’s the true riches which will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go on.” Success isn’t just about making money, it’s about finding love, joy, and happiness in our lives. When we focus on these things, we find that our success becomes a by-product of our happiness, not the other way around.

    So, how do we avoid falling into the inspiration trap? How do we keep our self-esteem intact while still striving for success? Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:

    1. Define your own success: Take the time to reflect on what success means to you, and what you want to achieve in life. Write it down, and make it your own.
    2. Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not tear you down. Seek out mentors and role models who inspire you and support you on your journey.
    3. Celebrate small wins: Recognize and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be. This will help build your confidence and keep you motivated.
    4. Don’t compare yourself to others: Remember that everyone’s journey is unique and that comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on your own progress and celebrate your own successes, no matter how small they may be.
    5. Take care of your mental health: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Seek help if you need it, and never be afraid to speak up if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

    So, don’t get caught up in the inspiration trap. Find your own definition of success and focus on what matters most to you. You’ll be much happier and fulfilled in the long run.

  • 10 Things Holding You Back From Happiness and How to Let Go

    10 Things Holding You Back From Happiness and How to Let Go

    Are you feeling stuck and unable to find happiness in your life? You might be holding on to things that are preventing you from reaching your full potential. Here are 10 things that might be holding you back from happiness and how to let them go:

    1. Let go of trying to please everyone

    Often times, we find ourselves doing things to please others, whether it’s going along with plans they’ve made for us or living up to their expectations. However, this can be detrimental to our own happiness and well-being. According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, people who prioritize others’ needs over their own report lower levels of happiness and well-being. It’s important to remember that you deserve to live your life on your own terms and make choices that align with your own values and goals.

    2. Let go of procrastination

    Procrastination can be a major obstacle to achieving our goals and finding happiness. When we put things off, we miss out on opportunities and may end up feeling stressed and overwhelmed. According to a study by the University of London, people who procrastinate have higher levels of stress and lower overall well-being. To combat this, try setting small, attainable goals and taking action towards them immediately. Break large tasks into manageable chunks and create a schedule to stay on track.

    3. Let go of fear and pressure

    Fear and pressure can hold us back from taking risks and trying new things. They can also cause us to feel anxious and stressed. A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who experience high levels of stress have a greater risk of developing chronic health conditions. To overcome this, try practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally, remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that failure is a necessary part of growth and learning.

    4. Let go of self-loathing thoughts

    Self-loathing thoughts are negative and harmful to your mental and emotional well-being. These thoughts can make you feel worthless, undeserving of love, and not good enough. However, it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and no one is perfect. Instead of focusing on your flaws, focus on your strengths and the things that you have accomplished. Surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up and support you. Also, practice self-compassion, which means being kind and understanding towards yourself.

    5. Let go of the past

    Holding onto past experiences can prevent you from moving forward and enjoying the present. The past is gone and can’t be changed, so it’s important to let go of old grudges and regrets. Instead, focus on the present moment and make the most of it. Practice mindfulness and gratitude, which can help you to appreciate the present moment and let go of the past.

    6. Let go of perfectionism

    Perfectionism is the belief that everything must be perfect, and anything less is unacceptable. This mindset can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, and prevent you from enjoying the present moment. Instead, focus on progress and learning from your mistakes. Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of life, and it’s okay to not be perfect.

    7. Let go of holding grudges

    Holding grudges takes up a lot of mental energy and can lead to negative emotions like anger and resentment. Holding grudges can also lead to physical health problems such as increased blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. Instead, practice forgiveness and let go of grudges. Forgiveness can lead to feelings of peace and happiness.

    8. Let go of comparisons

    Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Everyone has their own unique journey and it’s important to focus on your own progress and not compare yourself to others. Instead, celebrate your own achievements and be proud of who you are.

    9. Let go of toxic relationships

    Being in a toxic relationship can lead to feelings of unhappiness and low self-worth. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Let go of relationships that bring negativity and drama into your life. It may be difficult, but it will be worth it in the long run.

    10. Let go of negativity

    Negative thoughts and attitudes can lead to feelings of unhappiness and depression. Let go of negative thoughts and focus on the positive things in your life. Surround yourself with positivity and practice gratitude. This will help you to see the good in every situation and lead to a happier life.

    Happiness is a state of mind and it’s important to let go of things that hold us back from achieving it. This allows us to open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences that will lead to a happier and more fulfilled life. Remember to always put yourself first and trust in your abilities and dreams.