How I Make Myself Study When I’m Lazy (it's not discipline)

🧠 nebulaclasses.com/elizabeth will give you a discount for some absolutely BANGER online learning you'll actually finish and use 🤍
I hate habits and I love motivation and because I feel like this sort of approach and mentality has been absolutely trashed recently with everyone telling me to 'ignore motivation, just show up', I've FINALLY stopped listening to that advice and found a system that works for me. Here it is for any other chaotic people out there who might see the world in the same way.
Having quit things I thought I wanted to do, hated myself because I can't stick to schedules I create, thought I'm incapable of achieving much due to my chaotic and indecisive mind: here is how I now thrive (a bit more) in chaos and lack of organisation, most importantly: without habits.
To make your life easier:
0:00 Intro
2:21 Redefining Work
4:53 The difference between Motivated and Unmotivated work
6:51 Why to affect your motivation
8:15 How I think of scheduling tasks
9:56 Increasing motivation is sharpening the axe
11:33 Tool 1: Skills vs Results
12:38 Tool 2: Making Tasks Work for Me
13:24 Tool 3: The Bare Minimum
15:12 Tool 4: Mental Barriers
WHO AM I: I'm Elizabeth, a medical student, painter, KZbinr and Podcaster in London. I love to think and talk about life, art, medicine, books and meaning. And also how to find the time to do those things. If you'd like to watch me paint and talk about life, I do that on my podcast ( / @feelosophywithelizabe... ) and if you'd like to read my thoughts and book notes, I have a newsletter you can join (newsletter.elizabethfilips.com/).
🧠 Shop my Notion Templates to Work Better With Yourself: lizziefilips.gumroad.com
If you want to stay in touch:
🖤 Patreon Team, we work together on Discord to get things done - / elizabethfilips
💌 My Newsletter - go.elizabethfilips.com/newsle...
🎙My Podcast - / @feelosophywithelizabe...
📕 My Book Club - www.getrevue.co/profile/the-p...
📸 My Instagram - / elizabeth.filips
💻 My Website - www.elizabethfilips.com/
🐥 My Twitter - / lizziefilips
Or leave a comment, I (try to) answer 100% of comments :)

[@atheneangelis2973]

Word of caution: The idea of "last minute hyperfocus" worked for me in high school, but it stopped working at some point when I got into college when things got harder, more complex and just generally more in volume. I realized I need to start WAY sooner and I can't just wait for the motivation to kick in. I ended up having half-assed projects and turning in unfinished papers because I told myself "I can do this later when I'm motivated" and it just made me have mental breakdowns right before the deadline, plus feeling guilty all the way during the process. So yeah it might work but it might also turn out differently

[@Heyu7her3]

Yep. I just commented that making this a habit is unsustainable. But not only that, it also gives you a reputation that won't carry well into group/ team work.

[@KawtarKHALLOUQ]

It's really difficult to just wait for motivation when you have work to get done.

[@rahulsrivastava3234]

this is so resonate to me😫...pls give me some advice

[@NathanaelNaused]

Thank you for acknowledging this!

[@jessicajovel7162]

The same thing happened to me! The problem it was that the result was similar even when I started sooner. That's why I'm trying to make these motivation tips, starting early the homework, so I can show up to do it motivated (because I wasn't motivated unless it was last minute). Edit: I mean, the skills vs. Results thing, the question, how does this task work for me, and the list of questions in the end. I choose a day, to start early the homework, but before getting to work, I've been answering this with pen and paper, and it has been giving me motivation and therefore, speed and focus, which was what I was actually struggling with (I don't really struggle with habits, but without motivation, I'm incredibly SLOW, even if I start 2 weeks early, I'm slow, and I realized I was faster with motivation)

[@yana.rya_____]

Really appreciate how you acknowledged that this doesn't work for all people! Too often productivity advice tends to paint with a large paint brush.

[@khalilahd.]

Couldn’t have said it better. This mindset does f work for me but it’s so interesting to learn about people who can work like this

[@HannahMarieee]

Very true, its always important to consider that we and our situations are all different!

[@alexba1ley]

@@rosiebragg I couldn't agree more. Different brains have different strengths and needs. Tortoises do great on land and turtles do great in water. Forcing a tortoise to swim will not make it a turtle. It will make it drown. Forcing a turtle to live exclusively on land will not make it a tortoise. It will make it a racoon's lunch. /m Why would you punish people for using their strengths and force them to do work against their nature when we could all contribute different strengths to the group?

[@jehotatee8283]

i especially liked this comment to move it from 999 to 1k 😀

[@sarahbuj]

@@jehotatee8283 lp

[@areeshatahnee2193]

As someone with ADHD, watching your videos makes me feel so seen and so smart. People with our chaotic sense of productivity and bubbly motivation get told off for being disorganised and indisciplined, but coming here to listen to you makes me feel not so alone. Thank you, Elizabeth. I love your content and you.

[@ananarvaez4109]

Lol reading this comment is making me question if I have ADHD 🤯

[@alsparkproductions7849]

As someone with adhd, same.

[@Lilacandviolets]

Adhder here as well! You summarized exactly how I feel 😭🙌🏻

[@mrsi82]

Came here to say this. Adhd is a superpower

[@heyyou..]

same, but I have add

[@edbrito-swdev]

This channel is the only channel that has life and work advice that is actually useful for me and not just the stereotypical hustle culture stuff that everyone else does. Thanks!

[@BruceCarbonLakeriver]

Facts!

[@ananarvaez4109]

So true.

[@chiccavaquita]

Agree. Just discovered her & I’m finally home. This is a safe space without feeling like you have to conform to the norm.

[@sjwestmo]

So well said!

[@rinciel4999]

YES.

[@chamallow989]

I wish I could work a bit more like this, but it's complicated for me because I'm an engineering student, so I need to do lots and lots of practice problems. There aren't many shortcuts. I think the best trick in that case is to make sure that you have activities outside of school, otherwise your schedule is too empty, you have no time constraints, and you end up procrastinating in your bed thinking "I have the entire day to start studying so I'll start later". Basically without that, your life becomes passive and boring.

[@twizack22]

I agree. I've been struggling with this as well. I've noticed I tend to get things done only on my busy days. When I have plenty of time to do something I tend to do nothing at all. It's counterintuitive.

[@rueautumn8303]

It's rough to be in a field of practice problems. I find also just making myself do a minimal amount a day works. Some days I'll just do a tiny amount, others I'll do tones. Being busy and just shoving this shit into a train ride from place to place or early mornings before starting stuff works too.

[@adoxographer]

Exactly. For math, languages, music etc, last minute doesn't work. you need to practice every day.

[@ClaireCraig]

Yes, agreed. I work way more efficiently when I already have a time constraint (like going to work) because then my time off feels way more valuable and I waste it less

[@simoroshka]

@@adoxographer I find that in these cases I absolutely need an external force, like regular classes or 1-on-1 lessons with a teacher. Otherwise it is really hard to keep it consistent.

[@doaa8242]

the tools to increase motivation (sharpen the axe) are: - skills vs result - make tasks suitable for me - learn only the bare minimum - overcome the mental barriers

[@louiselecouffe4679]

Thanks for summarizing!

[@evernightrose5152]

Holy-wow. This is the first time I'm hearing a productivity video talk about emotional problems. My work has been so focused with helping students and people using their emotions as a strength instead of ignoring and making them a barrier, because we have all fooled ourselves into thinking that we are rational and if it is right in our mind, we'll do it, but actually we are just emotional and social beings and our motivation, effeciency everything is based on these. So thank you Elizabeth for thiss!

[@jjQlLlLq]

That's so right and I haven't thought of it that way. You've put my thoughts into words. People like to think we're rational & in control, but really we're just humans.

[@fleurianneasmr3976]

I love this comment!

[@NathanaelNaused]

I think this is too binary and incorrect. You're doing the same thing that the "other side" is doing that you disagree with. It would be better to acknowledge both sides of humanity which includes both rationality + reason and emotions.

[@raquelluz6585]

Your work perspective and tips are so ADHD-friendly! I was diagnosed last year and still struggle with trying to fit in the "typical" working method, and find myself discouraged and with low self-esteem. But your videos have definitely reignited the way I used to go through tasks when I was in school and uni, which worked so well for me until pressure and shaming from others made me try to change. Slowly, I'm trying to get back to what works for me, shame and guilt free. Great video, once again💖

[@octopiinthesky44]

I had the same thought about her last videos, normal routines and habits are just extremely hard to implement with ADHD (or at least for me). I got finally diagnosed in uni last year, so I'm still trying to figure out what works best, beside the "procrastinate-panic-get stuff done" route 😂 For me and my current exam-time with copious amounts of memorization, the only two things that are able to keep me at the desk studying is 1. enough cardio and 2. meds (focusing with meds is sooo much easier, I can't even put it into words, its such a relief not to constantly have to fight my brain to stay on task)

[@raquelluz6585]

@@octopiinthesky44 Totally agree! The meds and outlets for the extra physical and mental restlessness are so, so important and a game changer. The thing I struggle with the most now that I’ve entered professional life is the “neurotypical working standard”, because although I take the meds and they help me focus and stay on task, they don’t exactly change the way my brain *is*, so having this other perspective that encompasses that mechanic and is just another route to also get things successfuly going is really helpful and honestly so validating. Always glad to see fellow brains on the quest of self-acceptance and growth 💖 all success to you!

[@lotoreo]

@@raquelluz6585 Yeah as someone with ADD, this resonates with me so much, this is exactly the kind of thing I've been trying to work out in my head and explain to people. Idk, do you find that often (non-AD(H)D) people around you (with no bad intentions) will tend to react negative towards this kind of approach? That's been my experience often.

[@raquelluz6585]

@@lotoreo yes, I can very much relate to that, and I feel that frustration often comes from authority figures, like parents and, in the past, teachers. No matter how good of a result I got, they always thought I could’ve achieved better if only I’d done things they way THEY saw fit. I guess that’s a struggle that we’ll always have to face. I just try to think that they don’t mean badly, but that also conforming to those standards would just make me (and people like me) way more miserable and also constrict the full potential of our capacities. It’s a bit of compromising on both parts, I’ve been finding, and open dialogue fixes (most) of those bumps

[@lotoreo]

@@raquelluz6585 amen to that, I'm glad I'm not the only one who experienced this and that it's not just a problem particular to me

[@naomiuchiha0906]

I love how I can play this at 0.75 speed and it sounds normal xD Also, this is vital advice, especially for writers. I am so tired of hearing i need to write everyday to get somewhere. It just .akes the whole process a chore instead of being fun. And I want it to be fun, because creating is what makes me happy. So now, I only write when I feel like it, and I can enjoy it.

[@xSunnyDaysx]

I always watch her videos at 0.75 speed. I have the feeling there’s something wrong with the edit speed

[@JW-mg1sk]

I caught on to this too! I thought it was just me.

[@AngDevigne]

This resonates HARD for my ADHD / neurodiverse self. Literally cannot do anything without motivation, but I can do ANYTHING with the proper motivation. Don't know if you purposely market to the neurodiverse crowd, but I know for sure that we can benefit from your wisdom. Thank you for creating 🙏

[@koduaaaa]

That second sentence HEAVILY resonated with ME oh my

[@AngDevigne]

@@koduaaaa 😊

[@Luke-qi6pf]

SAME. It feels like I am losing knowledge while I study with no motivation. I got around 50%~ on 2/3 exams because I started preparing each exam one week before each date, and I ended up with too much time to study for them; I was feeling so unmotivated and it was really hard to get anything into my brain lol but I did all I could.

[@rexloyer6478]

I hear what you're saying, and I think your channel is amazing for bringing contrarian viewpoints to light. I do think you're 100% with the idea that you should try to primarily do things that you want to do HOWEVER, most things I really enjoy have a certain amount of "activation energy" (barrier of effort) to them. Put differently, this means I will not feel motivated to do them, until I get started. After getting started, I'm reminded of what I love about the thing. I think framing a task in terms of what you can like about a task (for me, creativity, growing a skill, managing others, creating systems etc), finding taks that you will like, and pushing through the block at the beginning is more effective (and leads to more fun/ growth overall) then waiting to be motivated to start. I do think that the heuristic of waiting for motivation applies to you, because you have a plate of interesting tasks already, so it is really a question of WHICH project you do rather than to do it at all (not to mention I gather you've accepted lots of repsonsibility which will help you overcome the activation energy for a lot of not the majority of your tasks). I would guess however that many people watching this channel have much fewer passion projects than yourself and waiting to for motivation to strike to begin in a world vying for our attention would result in them doing less things that they are passionate about. Deciding to not wait can easily turn into not starting at all. Anyway, just riffing here. Appreciate the video. Will be back for the next one.

[@rexloyer6478]

*Deciding to wait and not start, could result in not starting at all

[@paulstejskal]

I agree. I would love to learn more about how she manages this.

[@SJY11]

I totally get your perspective on the importance of pushing through that initial resistance and your analogy about the "activation energy" is spot on! But there's a nuance I'd like you to consider. The crux of the video isn't about passively waiting for motivation; it's about understanding how to actively cultivate it. You're absolutely right about those times when, even if you don't feel like it, pushing through that initial "barrier of effort" makes subsequent steps much easier. Extending the axe analogy, just a few swings, say by the 5th or 10th (depending on the day), can create enough momentum to carry you forward. But the issue is with different tasks or even the same task on different days. No matter how much you break the task down, you simply CANNOT bring yourself to start. Continuing the axe analogy, there are days where you simply cannot bring yourself to walk over to the tree in the first place, let alone pick up the axe and start swinging. In cases like that, we can "sharpen the axe". One way, as she mentioned in the video, is to remind ourselves why the task is important to us in the first place. It's a much lighter, intermediate step to help us take those strides towards the tree in the first place. Of course, this approach shouldn't be a constant go-to. Like any method, it's about discerning when it's appropriate. Sometimes, a swift swing of willpower is all it takes, but having a few tricks up our sleeves for the stubborn days doesn't hurt. :)

[@Lobstrique]

your approach to chaotic motivation actually changed my life in a way. starting from the fact that i now feel normal?? just because i see a person whos mind works like that and it works for her?? and ending with amazing useful tips. thank you so, so much, Elizabeth i almost stopped feeling like I'm forcing myself to do stuff, and the associated guilt is mostly gone

[@OinamNabakumar-er5lj]

❤😮thank.

[@ZoeysMusings]

Your storytelling abilities and relatability make me so happy to be a part of your community, Elizabeth. You just get it. Sometimes it feels like motivation will be the bane of our existence because it comes and goes as it wills. Here's to sharpening the axe of motivation 💪🏽The list of reflective questions is gold. Thank you for your hard work!

[@remyagopakumar2338]

👍

[@kalpavriksha8400]

Hey Elizabeth! I kinda feel like we are a 'chaotically organized' community. I used to think myself as a super procrastinator when i was in a University. Now I find that my way of doing task is at the last hour with everything being sharpened by the axe. The anecdote of students getting less marks than yours though they always start earlier in a consistent way exactly resonates with me. I feel happy to find your community. Much love and support. 💜

[@vans4lyf2013]

But do you ever feel that you're not achieving your true potential because you procrastinate so much even if you do relatively well?

[@Nixie_the_Pixie]

This is really interesting, especially because the way you work reflects those who are ADHD and Autistic. The typical definition of productivity is so often shoved down Neurodivergent people's throats, and it just never works for us. Thank you for this video c:

[@keshav_p]

Absolutely agree!

[@sup.2318]

I'm so glad you're speaking about this way of being. Self-help books and gurus always say consistency is key and they relate that to everyday, consistent, to the clock work. I can do dishes, laundry, take trash out daily, but not things that require a lot more mental work. I have to be in the "zone" for it. I can't just force myself to work and hope that the "flow" will kick in. The flow comes from my passion for life. It's all in my creativity and need for exploration that I get stuff done. I, too, sent in papers last minute or studied last minute and got higher grades than my classmates and felt good and like shit at the same time. I never knew how to love myself and to understand and encourage the way I am until 24 years old. Too many people have this deep dislike for people like us and I can understand why. Some have to work consistently for 6 weeks on something that we master in 2 hours. It's a double-edged sword, I'm afraid. I can do those things, but it always feels it's at the risk of me not making it.

[@wolfiesasha887]

Exactly! The same with me, i need to be in the mood to do something, or even if i plan what i study for the week, if there is a subject that i have to study and im in the mood for another subject,i study the subject that im in the mood for, not the one that i made the planning for, because i know that i will waste time and not studying it the way i should

[@differenttechnology5133]

The worst part comes when the rest assume that you will get an A or you will pass the test for sure. Like you can't fail it because you just need the day before. But it's not like a present or a magical thing, like no matter what you will pass the test. It feels horrible all that anxiety and pressure because you didn't do the work before 😅

[@makebelieve3145]

I feel the same

[@lafemmesanspseudo7840]

@@differenttechnology5133 ohohohohohoh I can relate (and I failed once recently, big time, as if to prove the point... I was like "not sure I should take that exam" and my mother was like having the magical-you-can-do-everything-behavior and... I definitely knew deep down I shoul't take it and... fail) Wondering if I have ADHD...

[@lafemmesanspseudo7840]

don't know if it's relevant here but I also function the last minute way and over the past few months, with all the "trauma hype", I have been feeling very guilty like : working last minute aka inflicting this stress upon myself stems from trauma and continuing doing so means I still haven't healed enough. Anyone else?

[@TheMrgrafixable]

Bless the algorithm for pushing your videos recently

[@kado1122]

This is exactly how my ADHD brain works! I was diagnosed late and struggled to stick to routines but would have bouts of motivation (what I now know were hyperfocus). Finding a reason to do the tasks that aligns with my interests is exactly what I need. Also the meds helped a little lol

[@lucaiozzo8273]

I feel so represented by this chaotic style of super focused and engaged when motivated and unproductive or dumb when not. Thank you for sharing this so we all chaothic people don't have to start from the ground to figure out how to be effective with our proyects and ambitions

[@lauratorrents4158]

I’ve been binging your videos for 3 hours now and honestly it’s been a turning point. Like man tell me why everyone else on productivity youtube is so focused on the consistent method when so many of us out there just can’t properly use it… thank you for validating us chaotic people in our chaos and making us see that it’s ok and that it can actually work for us!

[@ammararauf4520]

wow, that's mind blowing to listen all this. For the whole of my student life,I hated myself for not being "Consistant" & not following the schedules. Even tried to "analyze" my habits for not being able to be regular & reached the conclusion that I have a natural aversion to anything that's imposing - quoting Goethe, "I hate everything that merely instructs me ......" - so, from now onward, I'll be following these ideas, as presented in the video, to accomplish my academic tasks etc.

[@rnorris14]

I've reached a point in my life where I have a lot of arbitrary work and have been experimenting with ways to shift my motivation from being anxiety driven to positive sources - this feels like a shortcut to what I've been trying to work out myself! Thank you so much Elizabeth for going through what I'm sure were years of struggle, trial and error, and frustration to figure out these ways of looking at the world. By sharing you are helping all of us here live fuller lives than we ever would alone.

[@thefoxnymph]

I relate to this so much. I'm someone who considers herself intelligent and able to get shit done, but I am absolutely not a type A person and I prefer disorganized bursts of doing work when I feel really passionate about something rather than doing things on a scheduled or consistent basis. I've always felt this was a bad thing or made me 'lazy' but finding your channel has completely turned around my thinking and I've never found someone who I could relate to so much in this aspect. Thank you for your content

[@ShineVizzy]

I had that "motivation anxiety" to do things years ago and it turned into an actual anxiety disorder that doesnt let me do any tasks I'm anxious abut rn. Still looking for what works for me to not get anxious, but for now it's just sitting to do sth when I'm most chill and have no fear. I'm genuinely thankful to your channel for showing me that I dont have to necessarily stick to a routine, and showing that chaotic work can work better for some people. I feel like this idea let my mind relax a bit more and let me not work when I get anxious but get to work when I'm chill which lets me go into the float state for hours which I missed for the past 1-2 years. I love those videos. I love to get things that might work for me out of them. Great job making them

[@matthewao]

FINALLY a video on productivity that speaks to me. I'm SO sporadic in my work style. The intro really spoke to me. I'm extremely last minute, yet a lot of the times my last minute work is comparable to or better than projects other people have worked on for weeks. It's not that I'm smarter or more talented. My work style is just different. When I don't want to do a task, I simply can't bother to bring myself to do it. But that task is sitting at the back of my mind, and my brain is subconsciously forming connections between existing ideas and generating new ideas. All those connections and ideas then get condensed and churned out in my sporadic work sprints. Technically I've "worked" on the project for hours; it just happens in the back of my head. To others, it looks like I've lazed about doing nothing for the longest time, and suddenly decided to work. "If you can produce such good results, why don't you just work more consistently?" The concepts in this video resonated well with me. You've helped me accept that there's nothing wrong with me, I just need to adopt a different approach to work than most people. Instead of trying to force structure into my life, I'll try making it a RULE to work only when I want to-and only when I can guarantee it's the smartest and most motivated version of myself showing up.

[@jomichel8388]

Look into ADHD because this is exactly how I feel & I’ve seen many ADHD’s explain their brain. It’s very common to be called lazy or told that you have great potential but just don’t apply yourself when you actually really want to but your brain may lack dopamine, the thing that allows you to do stuff. But realizing that that’s why my brain works differently and working with it rather than against it has been a life changer for me. What motivates an ADHD brain is: pressure of any kind (time, person relying on you, etc.), passion/interest, novelty/excitement sometimes competition. And then the brain can work much faster than neurotypicals

[@matthewao]

@@jomichel8388 that.. sounds exactly like me. maybe i should get it checked out hahahah

[@8draco8]

I just found your videos and I'm binge watching them at the moment. I never thought that there people like me out there. I'm well over 30 and I'm like that my whole life. I have successful carrier, family, children etc. I never was able to work constantly. I get absolutely obsessed about things then I put all my energy and time into it, which for a brief second looks like I'm ideal, hard working guy, but then I loose all interest when I get to high enough level.

[@ExtraTurtle]

The first minute feels like a movie. amazing.

[@elizabethfilips]

EEEK THANK YOUUU!

[@cosmicreciever]

This is an interesting take because it is the complete opposite on my view for getting things done, which is that motivation is a terrible motivator and that habits are the key to getting work done when you have no deadline. I've found in my life when I rely on my motivation to complete my personal projects, I never get anything done. I think your approach can only work for people who are naturally highly motivated. I'd love to see a video that dives more into these archetypes of person and how they best get things done.

[@catgrrrlart]

This is me. One thing I’ve found is actually scheduling things like I am working a part time job or going to a class. I am obligated to go to class, so I go, do the work in that environment, and then I’m done. So for personal projects, I set a day and time and then cater the environment around that task. It means a lot more of my time and energy are gone into catering my space to the work (if I’m gonna write, maybe I have to actually go to the library with headphones vs just sitting at my desk and writing). But this also means that I set boundaries around my work and I can get things done faster.

[@meliketoprak4028]

That is exactly how I went through school with adhd until depression and other stuff. I forgot how I did what I did and you reminded me how I work best. THANK YOU

[@khalilahd.]

This is such a unique way of thinking of our work and how to get it done. I don’t think I could work like this but I love hearing your perspective 💜

[@mia_boutique8277]

Words cannot explain how blessed I am to have come across your channel. You flipped my life around and just the span of five hours, and yes, five hours dedicated through scrolling to each video that catches my eye and all fairness that would be all of them. I absolutely love what you do And we definitely appreciate your time you’ll be hearing from me soon. Thank you so much🥹

[@scut55]

Thank you for bringing a new point of view to the discipline conversation. I now think of my brain in a more positive way than before. Over a year ago, I wrote my own take on discipline and I described it as: **Be like lightning.** - Prepare like a storm. - Strike once. - Strike hard. - Move on to the next thing.

[@MrGrokNRoll]

These videos are a really nice antidote to the way I *tried* to work in the past, but never could stick to. I also really like how emotionally aware this advice is. I've just started over the last year to be able to allow and recognize emotions a lot more - after spending decades mastering the art of suppressing them. It already makes a huge difference in my quality of life. And with your help, I'm starting to realize how I can use these new emotional skills not only for mental health but also for work and fun projects. Thank you.

[@MaximNikMazin]

Elizabeth, i must say this is one of the best videos on KZbin about motivation and non-habit work ethic. Learn a few new tricks and now trying to change the mindset) Huge thanks! Wish you all the best!

[@Paulas28]

I found your channel a few days ago and I'm absolutely in love with the way you function! It really makes me feel good seeing that its not just me not being able to fit into the productivity culture going on. Everything I've watched from you so far really helps me shape my surfacing thoughts lately

[@Rain-oy5on]

This is incredibly helpful, thank you. I have found all these things for myself over the past few years, building the same system for myself, describing it with slightly different words. It's not only soothing not also motivating to see you describe it in your terms, and it's a gift to now be able to show this to people to explain how I work instead of having to take a lot of time to explain it all in my own words and time 🙏🏻

[@gunjan_prajapat]

THIS video somehow awakens my old self when i used to do things at the last moment & shock everyone including myself by results that how could be this possible . seriously its the most realistic & amzing video i ever watched . thank you ❤

[@lucapasini3392]

As an individual that likes optimization, tasks and habits, I've still found some pretty useful advice in order to increase my motivation. Loved the "Skill vs Results" tool. Cheers!

[@mythoughtsgoback]

thank you for the tips, Elizabeth! i've been a procrastinator my whole life and i do really resonate with how you only do work when you feel like it. so far i've only been able to do work when the deadline is near but i will definitely try out the tips you've mentioned on how to increase my motivation for doing certain tasks :)

[@mariaeduardacosta3568]

This type of content is GOLD! I feel like I’m in the middle of the way of how you describe your work and how the others KZbinrs / gurus / writers describe it. Like I go through some phases throughout the year that I just feel like following a fixed schedule and planning my week (and sticking to it) and phases where I just do the things I need to when I want to. So your videos are so great to understand that this is how life works and it doesn’t have to be all “planning” and being “that girl” if I simply don’t want to sometimes 😂

[@McGuire40695]

11:10 "If I can be motivated and get more done, I don't care if 'sharpening the axe' looks like procrastination on the outside." I live by that mindset. Even when I was in college, I would do assignments the DAY THEY WERE ASSIGNED, and then just return to it it every so often until it's due. With tasks, I've always working chaotically fast and motivated like you've mentioned, and people usually ended up frustrated that I managed to produce more in less time and had more down time when they were "just slugging through the motions" of their tasks.

[@markegan7131]

Great video again. You’re so consistently good. Love the intros you now do, I’ve tried to mimic them a little in my own videos

[@alexandraa6840]

it's incredibly validating to know not everyone can hold a tight schedule and keep habits

[@ejclearwater]

Omg! I didn't realise I was already doing the "motivate myself" method! I love learning new things and watching videos about something and overtime it builds this immense creative energy that fuels me to go and do something new and different. Fantastic work on summarising all this!!

[@my_lifeisa_sham6568]

This explains so well how I've been organising my time without realising what I was doing. For those who wanna try, I use the infinite calendar on notion to write down the real work so I can have a clear overview of everything that has to get done (exams, project deadlines and stuff like that), and also have a weekly schedule on excel with my fixed stuff on colours (my classes). Then, every day I go along the week asigning stuff to my empty spaces, and switch arround the positions depending on what I wanna do each day. I use excel bc it's so easy to drag the cells around. I've been jokingly calling myself a "professional procrastinator", bc even tho I "leave" stuff for later (swith it around the week depending on what I feel like doing), I always get everything done, actually enjoy my learning, and get good grades :)

[@snehal5248]

The entire time you were describing your working style , I was thinking wow there are other people like me . People often nag me for not being disciplined enough , accuse me of studying secretly and so on . It has got to a point where I am forcing rigid schedules on myself, just so they stop talking. Listening to you was the affirmation I needed badly. Thank you

[@AnanthKBandari]

Love the way Elizabeth gets straight to the point and delivers great advice that is really helpful. Thank you for the great content.

[@rezi4174]

I love how motivated this video made me after I watched it! And I love how you give your personal examples in everything you are posting. I am a medical student as well in my last year, I adore your enthusiasm and this motivates me to be the best version of Gabriela.

[@stephpies3]

This was amazing. I work full time, I'm in undergraduate school, I have a big test for grad school coming up next month, and I am a mom to a 3 year old. And I have ADHD. I am always putting myself down and getting so frustrated that I can't just do the tasks, and I find it harder to recollect necessary information for exams because I did not sufficiently study. My brain never wants to do Organic Chemistry. I am in my second semester, and every time I go to do something with it, my brain just goes "nope". I love the sharpening the axe story, and I took a ton of notes to remind myself about what you said. I am very excited to start tomorrow fresh and see if I can motivate myself.

[@lisaw861]

Same, except I am doing school f/t and not working and also have 3 kids (1 on the spectrum, 1 who also has adhd, and a teenage daughter who most likely also has adhd) and a husband with bpd! Life is chaotic to say the least so I am right here with you…I love how I am immediately motivated to now do some of the tasks I am more interested in but keep putting off as I have boring school work to do and instead end up doing neither (adhd paralysis)! Feels like I have just had a brilliant stoner like idea or theory, but I’m completely sober 😂🎉 cheers to getting stuff done!

[@AlexanderFYoung]

Great video. It’s tough juggling multiple things but focus is key. Editing is 🔥

[@Fatina96B]

I always struggle with the emotions when procrastinating, and i unconsciously do the tips you just mentioned but still feel like “why am i like this?!” And never thought of it this way (motivation before doing the task). Thank you for putting it in an organised way for us!

[@MsHanniNanni]

I sometimes find it very very hard when the motivation comes not to want to do everything at once, sometimes I have the motivation that is so strong that I think I can do everything now.

[@saramusarrat]

Thank you so much for this! Always such a treat to watch you and learn these useful tips.

[@elizabethfilips]

UPDATE: THE BOOK IS OUT! lizziefilips.gumroad.com/l/krcnc?layout=profile Heya if you liked this: I've written a Guide to living a Chaotically Organised life: an ebook-guide, Notion Template and Audiobook bundle. Very frustratingly, I completely messed up the audio recording, so I'll have to delay putting it out for a few days, but if you want to be the first to hear about it (I'll have a discount for the first day!), I'll announce it in my newsletter as soon as it comes out! You can join here: newsletter.elizabethfilips.com 💙

[@khalilahd.]

Loved this video!

[@alexlindbjerg8283]

I'd love to hear your take on Neurodivergence - and maybe even ADHD.

[@elizabethfilips]

@@alexlindbjerg8283 what about it would you like to hear from my end? 😅

[@alexlindbjerg8283]

@@elizabethfilips Well, hi! It seems to me that a lot of the things that you’re talking about is about being neurodivergent. Your whole “optimize for passion” angle became somewhat of a mantra for me after I got an ADHD diagnosis. I used to think that “Atomic Habits” was the way forward, but it did more harm than done. This video continues that path. It has inspired me to looking to different work patterns that are less fixed on the assignment and more focused on the skill. I believe that you with your skill set could illuminate a lot of tools for us who aren’t Neurotypical. Mostly, because you already have. Thank you for your work!

[@minervamcgonagall8250]

@@alexlindbjerg8283 omg yessss, i'd love to hear her take on this (im not diagnosed but this seems like a cool video idea)

[@ShahdAdelle]

Such a relief to hear someone saying this I have recently read "Atomic habits" and I tried so hard to apply the ideas and build habits to follow them no matter what but it just never worked for me so I felt kinda guilty but when I watched this video it just helped me to understand myself more and acknowledge that i don't have to do this and just work my way

[@healinglaforesta]

Wow, mind BLOEWN! I really love you approach to this and this is really changing the way I see myself right now.. I am so used to feeling guilty for "not keeping up with things" or "postponing until it feels good". This really helps me see a better way to work WITH my natural tendency. Thank you ❤

[@gabrielenitti3243]

Hi Elizabeth, coming from the "You're not lazy" and "Everything I regret about my 20s" video, i would like to suggest to you a book I've recently read "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" from David Epstein. It's been of extreme help with acknowledgeing and accepting the way I am and I think it can be of help to you aswell. Being someone who optimizes for passion instead of consistency puts me naturally in a bad spot in today's society as I can't see myself ever specializing in a single field, which at first glance may seem the only route to success. Athletes, musicians, etc they all started young. However, as the book showed me and hopefully will show you, the real picture is much different. Tons of people who changed the world did so thanks to their widest and broadest of interests which made them see the bigger picture while everyone else was deep in the tiny details. I do find myself passionate for extremely different and constantly changing things, and thanks to this book and its insights, I finally felt understood and learnt that there is a place for people like me.

[@shiwanmi]

Thank you so much for sharing. I've been really struggling with this issue lately. Your comment reminded of a Ted talk I'd watched before, and it turns out it was by David Epstein himself! Guess I know what I'm reading tonight!

[@MituDjakarian]

I love your videos because I know all these things but you organized them very clearly and shared in a video. So it's like a glossary of my mind for when I'm overwhelmed and disoriented. I've been struggling with motivation ever since I came back from the best and most emotional vacations of my life, but now I watched this video and I'm like "Yes, right, that's how I do it. Let's go!". Thank you so much 🙏🏻 ❤️

[@AdolosFlow]

Just found your channel recently, but as someone who thinks and functions very similarly, I find so much comfort in just feeling like i'm not alone. Like i'm not the only one who functions differently in a world that expects you to be motivated at any time and just get things done. I've been trying to find ways to work with my brain instead of beating myself up over not being like other people. Thank you for your content you create.

[@JI-hb4mh]

Girl you are speaking my language. I basically do this without realizing it. This made me feel so much better about myself because I always feel like I’m so unmotivated and a procrastinator but I always get stuff done and do a good job. I always take a lot of breaks. My husband gives me crap because he can work on a project for hours non stop without breaks. I try to build habits but I am so bad at that because it always depends on my mood and if I feel like doing that habit at the time. 😊

[@lilian1812]

We're literally the same. Thank you so much for sharing this and validating a lot of how I function. It's truly helping me.

[@hassansyed6087]

Elizabeth, your videos are so detailed and so much effort goes into the editing/content. Thank you for delivering such quality.

[@reesepotato]

Absolutely love your content! I've found nothing like your videos in the productivity space. You have the ability to bring in the raw human psychology behind our struggles in a way that is realistic and empathetic. Please keep them coming

[@chinyererachel]

Hi Elizabeth, I love how inclusive your videos are.

[@jessytang6082]

hi elizabeth! found your videos recently and not to sound dramatic but they’ve really helped me deal with my mental health issues and prevented me from dangerously spiraling because of my ocd, so thank you! I would love to see if you have any thoughts on due dates, recording or remembering tasks, and preventing things from falling through the cracks. I definitely feel like a majority of the productivity content out there doesn’t help me stay on top of tasks with the way my brain works…

[@franziska5205]

omg THANK YOU SO FREAKING MUCH! I feel so seen! Your academic story, the "shame" of feeling unproductive, lazy etc. for procrastinating, just because you can't do sth, when you're just not feeling it! AHHH! I feel totally motivated to apply it to my life, thanks again for your input! I hope you post more like that !!!!! I NEED IT!!! THANK YOU FROM GERMANY

[@simoroshka]

in the big five personality I'm high on openness, neuroticism, and very low on conscientiousness. I was told that in order to be successful, I need to grow at least some conscientiousness (e.g. being more organised, consistent, have habits and so on), like it is entirely not possible to have good grades, career, and good life otherwise. But I am fine, as long as I don't try to force a structure on myself, I am doing well. I went through school, university, moving to a different county, getting another master's degree, building a career. And I am delighted to see these videos from somebody who is similar to me. I reflect on myself and my past, and realise that I was wasting sooo much energy and time trying to be "proper student" or "diligent worker", when in fact it is just not how I work.

[@yohaizilber]

It takes a long time to really become productive. I guess it also depends on how much disipline you have. The goal really is to create that system that works for you and you will have to try out many things to find out the ones that relly work for you.

[@dontdoit1419]

Amen, it took me a long time to realaise that I need to implement exerices and nap in my day scheduel. I am two times more productive now!

[@settembrini3301]

I just discovered your channel and your videos have already helped me so much. Could you maybe make a video about what to do if there are so many things you would like to do and learn? I have 1000 things that interest me and I can never decide, what to do or what to learn first, so I just end up in paralysis doing nothing. Thank you so much for all the work you do!

[@ar6767]

Just finished your book in one sitting. Excellent! And such a relief that my natural instincts may actually be useful rather than something to be at war with. Thank you so much!

[@ksk2120]

I am currently in my second semester of Physician Assistant school, and I cannot tell you how serendipitous it was to find this video today. Learning medicine from 8-5, 5 days a week has been draining my motivation so quickly. It is very nice to find someone whose brain works similarly to mine, and I am so excited to try some of these techniques. I have struggled with procrastination and this exact thing for many years. This is just what I needed, thank you!

[@cesarcossioguerrero9295]

You really radiate motivation and share high quality scientific based techniques. Really appreciate your work. As a person with ADD I do really understand how undervalued emotions usually are, Could you do a video in which you talk more about techniques on managing emotions for effective studying? Thank you!

[@alexsillada4659]

As a homeschooler this really hit home to me and made me feel better! I do everything in my pace. Studies. Projects. Everything that I need to do I do more or less 2 weeks before the deadline because for some reason that's the time I'm most motivated and I don't even panic that I'm doing a everything near the deadline 'cause I know my limits and I know I'll make it. Then I hear other homeschoolers saying that they studied this and that today, or that they were really panicking 'cause portfolio review is near. Which made me guilty 'cause I don't study that much daily or that I'm attending fun events even though the tests is near and I still get good to great scores. So I tried to schedule everything-like when to do my projects or how long per subject daily I should study. But they just lessened my motivation and the quality of my output. They just basically made me feel bad 'cause I couldn't follow even half of it and I just end up cramming. Which made me more lazy for the next quarter since I was seeing studying & doing projects as a negative thing 'cause I was suffering last quarter with it. So seeing your video really assured me that it's okay to do everything at my pace and there was nothing wrong all along😊. Thank you!

[@haltertopbabe]

i’ve never related to someone more on the internet elizabeth!!! thanks for this series of being a chaotically-organized person!!! 💗

[@anhuynh3495]

You are so wonderfully persuasive and have created such a great video that resonates with me deeply! I've discovered my problems years ago, but got stuck at self denial because of social norms. I've always felt as if I'm an outcast for having my performance influenced by my emotions. Your redefinitions really helped me contemplate my own problems and situations insightfully. Thank you so much for having put so much effort into your videos!

[@interimnecromancer8502]

I think what you and James Clear have in common is that how much emphasis both of y'all put on gentle systems that work for every individual. I strongly believe that mood follows action, and habits are really important to save us from creating havoc in our life. Motivational mapping or doing deep work at a stretch can only work when you actually have developed the habit of sitting through long study hours or have developed focus stamina. I have tried studying or doing deep work at a stretch because I often have issues with concentration and focus, but I think what I have realised was I need to first get into the "habit" of studying. To make it less dreadful and scary before actually coming up with a system like yours where it's okay to study more on one day and less or not at all the next. I think the first step for most people should always be to get "used" to passively or actively to the habit of studying. More like Touching the equipment before using it. Or like you said in one of your videos, sharpening the axe before chopping. You cannot study for long hours on a single day or days, if you find studying very scary or it is something that makes you anxious, those fears generally lead to procrastination. Making the experience enjoyable even if it's for an hour a day, and slowly building up is what is most important. It's a sense of autonomy that we need to feel while doing that. It's a choice and reminding ourselves that makes the journey easier and healthy.

[@justmy-profilename]

That's a good and healthy message you're sending, thank you! 👍 And it reminded me of a time, when I was too unmotivated to read something for my studies, and instead intentionally read Wikipedia articles related to the topic. That worked very well for a while, because it took me just some minutes to find a lot of aspects in the wiki articles, which "needed" to be improved, including citing better sources. So btw I was reading things I actually "had to read", just because I was driven by improving Wikipedia. But to motivate myself I can trick myself just a couple of times the same way. And I wouldn't be surprised, if more people here can relate to getting bored by the own motivational tools 🤷🙋

[@abbiepancakeeater52]

8:11 this is such a good mindset to have. instead of striving to always be smart, you can just accept that sometimes you're smart and sometimes you're a fool and it's okay. my inner, repressed gifted kid has unlocked some new information.

[@lilymulligan8180]

Oh hell yeah!!! I loooove your videos, you really get my brain. I very recently had this realization too - that there are some things in my life it's okay to procrastinate on, and other things I can't. For me the distinction is pretty much the same as yours - which tasks have a hard deadline and which don't? And not only that, but it's beneficial for me to procrastinate on certain things if I need to in order to build up the energy or courage to tackle them. So glad to see a very smart and successful lady say the same thing!! Here's to embracing and thriving in the chaos 🥂

[@abnormalways]

This is what I learned in teaching math as a "weird-elizabeth-type" person. Everyone can learn math, not everyone can learn it the way their teacher teaches. In classrooms teachers don't have time to teach all the ways, hence the most "common/neurotypical" method is the only one taught, leading people to think they aren't a math person and something must be wrong with them bc they don't "get it" THAT way. So I give students 5+ different ways to solve a problem, until the "click" moment, and they go on to only use the one that "works for their brain" / is simplest TO THEM. It could even look the same on paper, just a different mental train to get there. :) Woowee, thx for paving/articulating this niche, lots of creative beauty on the horizon from those you've validated with speaking out

[@jamesstramer5186]

Really loved this. Unlike the typical Type A productivity videos.

[@achekulaev]

I think I'm in love. Platonically. I'm sure you know that feeling when mental puzzle pieces that were in front of you all the time as a pile suddenly come together. Thank you *so much* for spending time to realize and structure those things that I have been instinctively doing to boost my motivation (as probably almost any chaotic learner), and for confirming that I was not crazy for doing them this way. And of course tips and tricks from other chaotic learners/workers are so appreciated!

[@yahayaoyinkansola8258]

Elizabeth this has to be one of your videos that has changed my mindset about doing work, and being productive. I was arguing in my mind before when you said if I don't feel like doing something now and then, I shouldn't do it until I feel motivated to do it. Me that knows myself, I would procrastinate the heck out of that task 😂😂, but thanks for the clarification on how I can build motivation to do that task, it really helped!.

[@marleypiedefer8521]

Your video is so ADHD friendly, I love it ^^

[@kellikakes81]

This is how I am, but I never had words to explain this eloquently. But you are deeply explaining the structure of my chaos. (The beginning was me all throughout college-- I'm 41 now). I am so excited I have found this channel.

[@annakelian]

So awesome to find someone like me. Thanks for sharing. Super insightful especially shifting focus from results onto skills. For me, working smarter is about getting clarity so I’m only doing what brings results, using the 80/20 rule, being an essentialist. And the questions you mentioned are also part of the getting clarity work I do to understand also why I am procrastinating etc..

[@madelinekane4088]

your channel is helping me understand myself sooooo much better and not feeling so insecure about not learning in the same way as others

[@therealjordiano]

I think its still important to have the ability to endure a task that you cannot become motivated for, as those unfortunately will crop up for most people often Though I do like the techniques you gave here to increase your motivation, mostly the part where you spend some time thinking about the inherent value of a task to avoid that nasty feeling of it being pointless I suppose its possible to look at almost any task and find some benefit in doing it, within reason

[@tanzeelmehraj]

I like your content, it's very practical and on point ! You should share a book list for students of medicine !!

[@rennismile6356]

Love this video! I can relate on so many levels. People around me always say that I tend to procrastinate, but then I do great in my "last moment work". Scheduled work is not for me and I already do to some extent one of the methods you touched on - just writing down the big things I need to do for the week/month and doing them one by one depending on what I feel like working that day. Of course, it takes some motivation and is not a smooth sail every time. To be honest, I never gave much thought to the emotional side of why I just do not want to do a particular task, but this video gave me some ideas to explore in detail. Love your videos and your refreshing view on productivity. Keep being different

[@autumnspiva8626]

My own passion driven motivation almost led me to not click on this video but I'm glad my intuition led me to you! I feel incredibly understood and I'm so excited to watch the rest of your videos. I have always been excited to be organized and live that aesthetic habitual life, where everything is clean all the time and I'm doing all the right things. But I've never been able to accomplish it with habits because I'm not a consistency driven individual. I have beaten myself up over not being able to live like this and felt guilt and shame for feeling like I am lazy. I think this method with the passion driven calendar is going to work amazing for me for my arbitrary work! Thank you so much!!

[@dawidwozniak2393]

To me, it's not a chaotically organised type, but an ADHD trait :) I mean, no judgement on my side. Those are all clever tips and I love your content. What I want to say, I've went through a few your videos and I experience this strong ADHD vibe. Like totally. :P

[@ellab2162]

Can confirm I think like this with ADHD, to me it’s like when ‘hyper focus’ switches on, plus a lot of ppl with ADHD are super intelligent/curious naturally

[@keshav_p]

@@ellab2162 same!!!!

[@copiouscat]

@@ellab2162 Exactly this

[@Hallelujur]

Perhaps a lot of people with this diagnosis actually don't have ADHD. They might just have a type of brain that's not dominant (and therefore less understood) in Western society. For example, I am an ENFP (according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and I completely resonate with her videos.

[@ellab2162]

@@Hallelujur I feel like if you have the diagnosis you have ADHD, but that’s just a word for the type of brain you describe. I don’t take medication, I don’t see it as a terrible condition but just an explanation for some patterns in my life. The whole ‘adhd isn’t real’ is just a bit tiring for ppl that do need support but ppl refuse to believe it could be a real thing and problem for them

[@nrdkraft]

Thank you my friend. As a person struggling with lack of motivation and apparent progress that feels crippling and completely foreign to everyone besides me, it feels like a hug to my brain to know that others feel this too, but especially that this way our intuition feels about getting tasks done isn’t wrong despite what society would dictate, but needs to be embraced and honed

[@ivanlaplante]

I'm so damn happy i stumbled on this channel. I used to be like that and to be super efficient even though being a complete damn mess at the same time. I've spent so much energy trying to be less of a mess in the last years that i've ended up burning the energy that made me efficient as a mess. I'm definitely a lot less productive and efficient right now then i used to be, i was starting to wonder about just embrassing being this mess, but never actually started rewinding that path. Your videos are extremely important for people like us, thank you so much Elizabeth.

[@Diegovdx11]

This is the first time I've heard someone put into words what has been fuzzy in my head for a while!!! Changing the world, tysm ✨

[@emtheduns]

Amazing advice Elizabeth. Thank you so much for sharing it. I've suffered a lot from procrastination. Your video made me sympathise with myself more and made me feel very hopeful. I've got several projects that I dreaded done applying your tips. It is such a compassionate way of dealing with my procrastination and insecurity. Thank you!!

[@veratajti6269]

I have watched countles videos about studying, time management and motivation, and this is the first time, when I feel understood, and finally I can imagine, that I can do my tasks. Thank you!

[@mariabarten3146]

I have never felt more seen and validated about my work ethic in school and creative processes.

[@giuliaeusebi6514]

Hi Elizabeth, I hope you're doing great. I just wanted to tell you that every now and then I come back to this video, and there's one thing that amazes me every time: the level of self-respect you have for yourself. I really admire you for accepting how you function and respecting it to full potentiality! Lots of love ❤

[@anastasia_fineapple]

I pushed myself so much trying to follow Mel Robbins advice and 5 second rule.. and was so frustrated it didn’t really work or bring me the joy I was expecting. I’m soo happy I found you as an approval that you can move in your pace, listen to your feelings and still be successful and get things done ❤️