Premack’s principle
Use Premack’s principle.
Premack’s principle (as it applies here) is to use an easier behavior as a reward for a harder behavior.
For instance, you can reward yourself for finishing a cognitively demanding task (like writing a complex report) by completing a low-key but necessary task, like running an errand that helps you stay organized.
This approach can help you pace yourself during your work day, ensuring that you get regular breaks during which your mind can shift into a more relaxed gear, while still being productive. Think of it like recovering from bursts of running by walking instead
2
34 reads
The idea is part of this collection:
Learn more about productivity with this collection
How to set achievable goals
How to manage time for personal and professional life
How to avoid distractions
Related collections
Similar ideas to Premack’s principle
Getting Started
- Invest in Shoes and Gear. Visit a specialty running store to get fitted for the best shoes for you and check out gear such as running shorts, tops, or tights made of wicking fibers.
- Stay Safe. Do a warmup before you start, like a walk or an easy jo...
Avoid context-switching
The two-minute rule has one risk: context switching. We can fall into the trap of completing two-minute tasks when we should be prioritising deep focus.
- Block off time for focused work. Demanding and complex work often needs a long period of intense ...
The Wild Procrastinator
You are indecisive and often deals with things in the nick of time. But procrastination has a physical and social toll as your body and your coworkers get stressed over it.
Solution: Reserve time for work and start in small chunks. After starting, it’s eas...
Read & Learn
20x Faster
without
deepstash
with
deepstash
with
deepstash
Personalized microlearning
—
100+ Learning Journeys
—
Access to 200,000+ ideas
—
Access to the mobile app
—
Unlimited idea saving
—
—
Unlimited history
—
—
Unlimited listening to ideas
—
—
Downloading & offline access
—
—
Supercharge your mind with one idea per day
Enter your email and spend 1 minute every day to learn something new.
I agree to receive email updates