Hey again

I hope your Sunday is mega chill and you’re not really reading any emails or anything screen-time-related at this moment. If you are, put this down lol. 

Buti na lang kasama ito sa services sa mahal na toll fees hehe

Had a running flat last night after a long drive kasi, buti na lang malapit na sa exit kaya I was able to ask for help in inflating my spare tire na flat din haha (dapat pala guys lagi ito i-check) 

Mabagyo dito samin, and I was frantically running around this morning getting all the tires on my car changed.

Kaya yun tuloy, I haven’t been able to send this email yet. 

Nonetheless, I hope you STILL don’t open this on a Sunday.  

So here goes. 

Today I’d like to share a fascinating yet straightforward cognitive technique that has the potential to significantly enhance your productivity. 

This technique leverages the power of your own words and thoughts to help you minimize distractions and stay focused on your tasks.

In our digitally connected world, distractions are just a click or swipe away, mandalas kasama mo din sa pag-tulog. 

Our phones. -__-

It makes procrastination soooo damn easy to do. 

Our livelihood is inextricably linked with going online.

Tapos we literally have to use our phones and computers and go on FB, TikTok, LinkedIn, and all the Marketplaces to find our clients. 

Nuks, finally nagamit ko rin yung word na inextricably, yeah!

No wonder tuloy ang naging biggest problem natin as ONLINE FREELANCERS. 

We’ve all been there – intending to focus sa tasks natin, only to find ourselves aimlessly doom scrolling through TikTok or Reels or checking our emails for the umpteenth time. 

I know kasi I also create reels and TikTok, and sabi ko mag-research lang ako ng video ideas by looking at what others are doing. Then.. 

BOOM! 45 minutes just blew past. 

Where the heck did the time go? 

With that being the case, most people just feel resigned to this fact na, kasi nga we work online, and we have to live with these so-called ‘Dopamine Dragons’ right in our own homes, tapos we keep feeding them every day pa. 

If you could only see them, they're literally towering over you right now.

These distractions can feel insurmountable, but a simple tweak in our self-talk can make a world of difference.

The key lies in shifting from a language of obstruction to one of empowerment. 

Instead of saying, “I can’t open Tiktok when I’m creating content,” consider affirming, “I don’t open Tiktok when I’m creating content.” 

This seemingly minor change in phrasing can have profound implications for our mindset and actions.

By using “I don’t” instead of “I can’t,” we emphasize that the choices we make are not restrictions imposed upon us or a function of our willpower and resolve, but decisions stemming from our own identity. 

I gleaned part of this from the book by James Clear called Atomic Habits.

If you make things part of your identity, it will be hard to go against who you are, than what you just told yourself you would or wouldn't do.

This kind of self-talk presents our decisions as reflections of our identity, reinforcing our commitment to our goals, particularly the internally-oriented ones such as personal growth or self-discipline. 

This trickles down to our everyday actions and mamaya magulat ka na lang may impact na pala sa freelancing business mo.

Better yet, kung gusto mo walang negative connotations sa phrase, you can say 

“I only open Tiktok when I’m done creating content for the day”

Although this technique may not be as effective for externally oriented objectives (like striving for more closed deals in a specific period -- kasi process-rooted naman talaga yan), it's helped me a lot.

It’s one of several tools that you can use to boost your motivation and productivity.

I’m using this exact same technique to reinforce how I can write emails every day. I’m using this phrase: 

“My day is successful when I’ve been able to email my list.”

Also don't worry, I don't do all of my writing and research in one day. Naka-research na ako ng topics ahead, I just write the personal stories as they happen.

Syempre I have to provide real value pa din to you guys. Para di kayo umalis lol. 

The words we use to talk to ourselves have a profound impact on our mindset and actions. 

By affirming “I don’t” instead of “I can’t,” we empower ourselves to make choices that align with our values and goals. 

Give this technique a try – you might be surprised at how such a small shift in language can lead to significant improvements in your productivity.

As always, I’m here if you have any questions or would like further information on this topic. Email back lang. 

Happy Sunday!

Cheers,

Shoden “Ju Can Do it!” San

PS1. If you found this a good read, and you have friends who are interested in reading email rants like these please forward this to them and let them sign up sa ating munting list.

PS2. eto din yan, but mas swabe. Share mo sa wall mo, I need subs parang awa mo na. ^_^ https://sendfox.com/WorkFunHomePinoy

PS3. Last day today before the replay of John and Allan’s “How to Make a Full-time Income Writing Emails Even if You’re Not a Writer” Webinar is gone. Use the technique I just taught you to finish the training. Say “I will procrastinate only after watching the webinar.”  

here's the REPLAY!