The $100 MBA Show
Episode: MBA2556 - How To Get Things Done Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Host: Omar Zenhom

Introduction

In episode MBA2556 of The $100 MBA Show, host Omar Zenhom delves into a common yet challenging aspect of entrepreneurship: maintaining productivity on days when motivation is lacking. Drawing from his decade-long experience of producing over 2,500 podcast episodes without missing a single one, Omar shares actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs overcome periods of low energy and stay on track toward their business goals.

Discipline Over Motivation

Timestamp: [02:15]

Omar kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the paramount importance of discipline over motivation. He asserts, “Discipline beats motivation every time. Motivation is unreliable. It comes and goes, right? You just can't bank on it.” This foundational principle sets the tone for the episode, highlighting that while motivation can be fleeting, discipline is a skill that, once developed, provides consistent productivity.

Understanding and Shifting Your Mindset

Timestamp: [03:00]

Omar explores the root causes of feeling unmotivated, attributing it to underlying emotions influenced by thoughts, external exposures, and life circumstances. He states, “If you want to change how we feel about something, we also have to change how we think about it.” Recognizing this connection between mindset and motivation is crucial for initiating positive change.

Gratitude Exercise

Timestamp: [04:30]

To shift the mindset from negative to positive, Omar introduces a gratitude exercise:

1. Write Down Three Things You're Grateful For: Specifically related to your business or work life.
2. Visualize Their Importance: Imagine your life and business without these elements to reinforce their value.

Omar shares personal examples:

• Health and Abilities: “I have all my faculties. I have a sound mind. I have all my limbs.”
• Supportive Partner: “I have a supportive partner in my life who's also my partner in business.”
• Stable Environment: “I am grateful that I live in a place that's safe, that gives me shelter, that gives me electricity.”

This practice not only boosts mood but also fosters a positive mindset conducive to productivity.

Setting Micro Goals to Build Momentum

Timestamp: [06:20]

Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable goals can transform daunting projects into achievable steps. Omar explains, “Micro goals make the work feel achievable and the satisfaction of completing each step fuels the next step and gives you momentum.” For instance, when preparing a podcast episode, he outlines the process into concise tasks:

• Title Creation
• Bullet Points and Outline
• Setting Up Equipment
• Scripting the Episode

Each completed micro goal propels you forward, creating a steady flow of progress.

The 10-Minute Rule

Timestamp: [07:45]

When overwhelmed by inertia, committing to just ten minutes can break the barrier to productivity. Omar advises, “Just give me 10 minutes. You're literally promising yourself you'll work on the task for just 10 minutes.” This approach leverages the psychological tendency to continue once momentum starts. Often, what begins as a short effort extends naturally, overcoming the initial resistance to action.

Changing Your Environment

Timestamp: [09:10]

A change in surroundings can rejuvenate your focus and energy. Omar suggests, “Changing your environment shakes things up. It helps you get out of that funk.” Practical adjustments include:

• Working from a Coffee Shop or Park
• Rearranging Your Workspace
• Switching Rooms or Adding New Elements

These changes can disrupt stagnant mental patterns and spark renewed engagement with tasks.

Reminding Yourself of Your 'Why'

Timestamp: [10:50]

Reconnecting with the underlying purpose behind your work can reignite motivation. Omar emphasizes, “Your why is often more motivating than a task itself.” He encourages listeners to visualize their long-term goals and the impact of their work. For example, reflecting on why he started his podcast—the value it brings to listeners and its impact on his own life—helps him push through challenging days.

Celebrating Small Wins

Timestamp: [11:30]

Acknowledging and celebrating minor achievements fosters a sense of progress and sustains motivation. Omar shares, “Celebrating a small achievement allows you to stay motivated. Progress is huge, no matter how small.” Practical steps include:

• Tracking Completed Tasks
• Rewarding Yourself with Small Treats or Breaks
• Acknowledging Consistency and Discipline

These celebrations build a positive reinforcement loop, encouraging continued effort and resilience.

Conclusion

Timestamp: [12:30]

Omar wraps up the episode by reiterating that success hinges on discipline and consistency rather than fluctuating motivation. He summarizes the strategies discussed:

1. Start with Gratitude
2. Set Micro Goals
3. Implement the 10-Minute Rule
4. Change Your Environment
5. Remind Yourself of Your 'Why'
6. Celebrate Small Wins

He encourages listeners to adopt these habits to navigate through tough days and maintain steady progress toward their business aspirations. Omar concludes with a motivational note: “Every time you get through a tough day and do what you're supposed to do, it gets easier the next time because you remind yourself, oh, I did it last time when I didn't feel like it, I could do it again.”

For more insights and resources, listeners are invited to visit 100mba.net, where over 2,500 business lessons and free templates are available to support their entrepreneurial journey.

Key Takeaways

• Discipline Over Motivation: Cultivating discipline ensures consistent productivity, irrespective of fluctuating motivation levels.
• Mindset Shifts: Practices like gratitude can transform your outlook and enhance your ability to tackle tasks.
• Micro Goals and Momentum: Breaking down tasks into smaller steps makes them more manageable and fosters continuous progress.
• 10-Minute Commitment: Starting with a minimal time commitment can overcome initial resistance and lead to sustained effort.
• Environmental Changes: Altering your workspace can reset your focus and energy levels.
• Purpose-Driven Actions: Keeping your long-term goals in mind reinforces your commitment to daily tasks.
• Celebrate Progress: Recognizing and rewarding small achievements builds a positive feedback loop that sustains motivation.

By implementing these strategies, entrepreneurs can effectively navigate days of low motivation and maintain a steady path toward their business objectives.

Notable Quotes:

• “[Discipline] beats motivation every time. Motivation is unreliable. It comes and goes, right? You just can't bank on it.” — Omar Zenhom [02:15]

• “Micro goals make the work feel achievable and the satisfaction of completing each step fuels the next step and gives you momentum.” — Omar Zenhom [06:20]

• “Your why is often more motivating than a task itself.” — Omar Zenhom [10:50]

• “Celebrating a small achievement allows you to stay motivated. Progress is huge, no matter how small.” — Omar Zenhom [11:30]

For more actionable business strategies and lessons, visit 100mba.net and join Omar Zenhom on his journey to empower entrepreneurs with practical, no-nonsense advice.