I’m Doing the ‘Do Something Principle’ (8 takeaways)
The do something principle is an idea from Mark Manson, our sherpa for “life advice that doesn’t suck”. He’s been amazing in reframing my own mindset and perspective on things.
So naturally, I decided to actually put some of his ideas into practice. Namely, the do something principle.
So strap in, and enjoy my top 8 takeaways from the do something principle (and I’m sure more will come later).
What Is the Do Something Principle?
First things first, what is this “do something principle”?
The do something principle is simply the doing of the thing. It’s a way to focus on just getting started (rather than waiting for motivational moments to strike).
I like this idea.
So simple, it works.
I think it’s normal to wait for motivation or to believe that tomorrow we’ll be more inspired and the situation will be better.
It’s all BS though.
So let’s look at my key takeaways and the lessons learned from actually doing something and taking action.
My 8 Key Takeaways
Lately, I’ve been doing something.
I’ve been writing a song everyday for 1 year, posting on X daily and publishing a new blog every other day(ish).
So I’ve gathered a few insights.
1. Some Days Are Great (some days suck)
I guess this is ubiquitous knowledge – some days are better than others.
But I thought I’d highlight it because when I started, I went in thinking that the do something principle would somehow magically remedy all my sucky days.
No.
I did get way better at managing deflated motivation and building discipline, but sometimes, getting started and taking action didn’t fix the bad day.
But that’s fine. Crap days are required to fully appreciate good ones. Yin and yang. Balance. We can’t have a beautiful tree without roots in the dirt and dark.
2. Motivation Doesn’t Always Follow Action
I’ve been a bit obsessed with the activation principle recently – which is pretty close to the do something principle.
Essentially, it’s the minimum amount of energy required to just start something. The energy for the first step.
From here, motivation and mood often take over.
But not always (similar to #1, I suppose).
So yes, energy and motivation often come after starting something. But remember, not always. But that shouldn’t stop us from building discipline.
Of course, take breaks and know when to stop (for example, don’t get jaded from burnout).
But don’t expect a 100% motivation ROI on doing something.
3. Knowing Your Goals + Values Helps A Lot
I noticed something pretty early on, when my actions coincided with my values and goals, my discipline, motivation and ability to do something improved.
Groundbreaking, I know.
This is something we all intuitively know, but it’s still often overlooked.
So as you find yourself trying this methodology, but still struggling, try attaching a higher purpose or goal to the action.
This helps me a lot. It’s like a quick shot of motivation.
4. Don’t Expect Immediate, Life-Changing Results
We live in an on-demand, viral-craving, instant-gratification world. So let’s do a reality check.
Great success isn’t built quickly. And if it is (say, viral video), the success is rarely sustainable and the lessons learned along the way to building an audience are lost.
There are outliers, of course – but don’t your success bank on that. Not a great strategy (I’ve been guilty of this, so no stress).
So remember to be patient with the do something principle (or anything really).
Taking small steps and daily action does add up to amazing, compound growth over time. So stay the course, be humble and remain patient.
5. Habit Formation Kicks In (eventually…)
Doing something one time has little impact or effect on our habits, behavior and results.
But continued focus and discipline does create new neural pathways, belief systems and habits. It’s neuroplasticity, really.
This sort goes back to being patient, but if you stick with the do something principle (and you’ve outlined your macro and micro goals), new habits do form.
Getting used to just taking action (and not thinking about the action) has become somewhat subconscious – and it’s only been one month.
So I imagine this will continue to improve and be strengthened.
6. My Indecisiveness Is Improving
This was an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise.
I’ve always been indecisive – what to eat for dinner, what movie to watch, where to go on the weekend…
These decisions aren’t big or meaningful, but for some reasons, analysis paralysis still kicks in – until recently.
I’m far from perfect, but I’ve noticed myself just taking action and making a decision way quicker. It’s been amazing.
I can only credit this sudden change to my do-something undertaking.
So if you’re embarking on this journal as well, I hope this is something you can also look forward to (if you struggle with inconsequential decision-making like me, that is).
7. My Brain Is An Olympian At Mental Gymnastics
Our brain’s ability to convince us to not take action is uncanny.
I mean, the stories, rationale and logic my brain makes up (for not taking action, or waiting until later) is almost impressive.
But that’s the underlying benefit (or purpose) of the do something principle.
We need to freeze out our animal brains and subconscious habits developed over decades. We need to just take action and not think about it.
So my focus on just taking more immediate action has better revealed just how clever my unconscious mind is at coming up with stories and excuses.
But don’t fall for it. Make new habits and new stories.
8. I’m Accomplishing A Lot (i.e., it does work)
Last but not least, my results (so far).
So yea, I’ve accomplished a ton. Actually, I’ve done more in the past month than the past 4-5 months combined.
I did have a core goal for using this principle (even though the habit spilled over into other aspects of my life).
I applied the do something principle to this blog – to writing more posts.
I’ve written a new blog post every single day, and I’m not showing any signs of stopping. The habit of just doing the thing and taking action has seriously taken over my workflow.
I’m realizing how much time I’ve wasted before.
I’ve written so much over the past month, but I don’t feel any more busy. Actually, I feel I have (or realize I have) more time than I thought.
So what’s the moral? Just take action.
Or in the words of Mark Manson, just “…do something, anything really…”.
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