Philosophy Discussion Forums

I've really started to apply this to my work projects. My latest example is that I have to write a review on 45 different bars in NYC. That appeared insurmountable. But I first created a sheet with all the names and the formats needed. Micro-task 1 done. Next I located every bar's website and added the link to the sheet. Next I broke each review writing session to 3 bars at a time. it took 15 sessions, and I finally completed it. The task was completed much more easily by having it set to micro tasks.

This makes a lot of sense. I don't know how this method will help with an addiction. I used to bite my nails from a very early age (probably when I started growing teeth). I copied my mother. As I grew older and started wearing jewelry, I grew embarrassed when somebody wanted to see my rings and I had to display my mauled nails. I applied various products that tasted bad and allegedly prevented nail biting. It is something one does (or at least I did) subconsciously and I only tasted anything after the nail was off. I eventually decided to start knitting, something I didn't enjoy and couldn't do well. It was impossible to bite my nails while I knitting, and I loved the beautiful article I was creating. It took me about 2 months to complete it and by then I had a beautiful set of nails. I pampered them and I didn't bite them again. Not biting one nail will result in one long nail but won't improve the appearance of one's hands. There is no reward in that.

I've created many micro-habits around not smoking but it hasn't led to a new permanent habit. There is no reward in those either, i.e. I don't experience any of the benefits supposedly attached to kicking the habit. I say supposedly because even after not smoking for a month, I don't experience benefits like improved taste and smell. Some problems are exacerbated, e.g., sinus, and postnasal drip resulting in coughing. My motivation to stop smoking is to improve my lung capacity and get rid of the asthma that I developed when I couldn't keep up physical exercise any longer. Even after not smoking for a month, that didn't improve either. I will find a plan that works for me and I will implement it.

Success is truly guaranteed with micro-habits

MICROHABITS


The idea of using microhabit is a good one. The practice of microhabits beats the idea of extreme will power. The use of extreme will power mostly leads to failure. For example, if one want to be big, start small. If a person wants to have big success, let such a person be excellent at little things. There's great wisdom in this principle. It is a good one to practice.

So, if I want to do something bad enough, use negative willpower, which you are saying to use the other guy's force against him. Okay, that goes back to all the "You don't know how to do its" when I was a kid. When you get told stuff like that, you start to feel like the other person is right, but if use this negative willpower, those people will be proven wrong, and I would come out stronger. Gosh, I've allowed so much negativity to ruin my life, and now, pushing 50, I have so much to learn in my later half of life.

I totally agree with this view of micro habits! It is very smart and you would be on the path of your goal without even realizing it. The key is to start small. I have tried this while swimming and it worked. It is always better to make gradual changes in our lives rather than make drastic changes.

This is a great advice to apply be use force against your opponents, as you will be one step ahead of them. I will use this advice from now on as it will propel me in achieving my goals.

Rightly said, will power drains a lot of energy and leaves a very little energy to complete tasks with enthusiasm.

The first part, I understand perfectly, and I agree. I also think using willpower is quite draining.
The part that goes over my head is where you said to use negative willpower. What's that? This is my first to hear of this term.
Can you, please, break it down?
Besides, if it is 'negative,' how can it be any good at helping me achieve my goals?

The first part, I understand perfectly, and I agree. I also think using willpower is quite draining.
The part that goes over my head is where you said to use negative willpower. What's that? This is my first to hear of this term.
Can you, please, break it down?
Besides, if it is 'negative,' how can it be any good at helping me achieve my goals?

I appreciate the numerous replies to achieving your goals. Looking at it from people with a variety of responses really helped.

I didn't understand why one shouldn't use willpower, but now that I realize it is a limited resource, and varies by each individual, your suggestion seems much more logical. Using the opponent's weak points to our advantage is a very useful strategy.

Thank you, Mr. Scott, for this Insight!

I've found that the use of willpower is quite draining. In prior times, it has worked against me rather than for me. Although I had the resilience to work under pressure, and at odd times thrive under it, It mostly left me drained and feeling more lethargic than invigorated.

Baby steps... I now understand what you meant by 'Negative Willpower. I'm gonna add to my approach using my opponent's force against it.

Key Takeaways
- Use micro-habits, not willpower.

- Go so slowly that I find myself actually using negative willpower.

- Go so slowly that the temptation I feel is to succeed faster, rather than to give up.

- Use skill, not force.

- Work smart, not hard.


Great!