How to Make Consistent Progress on Your Goals (Even If You're Lazy)

The first 500 people to use this link will get a free 2-month trial with unlimited learning on Skillshare: skl.sh/thomasfrank
To master new skills and achieve your goals, you have to put in consistent (if not daily) practice. How do you stay motivated to keep doing that even when the going gets tough?
Today, I'll introduce an incredibly effective technique for keeping that consistency up. It's called the 20-Second Rule.
My book "10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades" is completely free, so check it out if you're interested in improving your grades!
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Things I mentioned in this video:
"The Happiness Advantage" by Shawn Anchor - amzn.to/2vrQ7jz
Crackbook extension - chrome.google.com/webstore/de...
GuitarTuna - itunes.apple.com/us/app/guita...
Ultimate Guitar app - itunes.apple.com/us/app/tabs-...
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Videos you might want to watch next:
How to ACTUALLY Break Your Bad Habits: • How to ACTUALLY Break ...
How to Wake Up Motivated Every Day: • How to Solve the "I Wa...
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~ created by Thomas Frank
STUFF PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK ME ABOUT
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Extension for better control over playback speed (if I'm talking too fast) ➔ chrome.google.com/webstore/de...

[@gorkemaltok708]

Doing 25 push-ups to switch to distracting activities might help, and in the worst scenario you get fit.

[@Thomasfrank]

Not a bad idea!

[@T-Show.]

For me it would be 20+ minutes of running without headphones and without any company. Boring, annoying but healthy.

[@zaki6131]

i have a problem even with that ...

[@scare_claw7064]

It does work for me since 2020

[@amirkhalaf570]

What if you can only do 24 ... or 3 ?

[@iamkomposed7162]

"It's like a Netflix subscription you don't feel bad about." Best selling point ever :P

[@TheWheelchairGuy]

I have been going to college for 4 years now. I have been a part time student due to health problems and I'm physically disabled. I'm consistent and will graduate very soon. Stay strong

[@essennagerry]

Mo Bahjat More power to you, sir!

[@jeffilaguison4597]

Good Luck and God Bless to you Sir ☺

[@rupakgbikas4477]

Sir, Congratulations.

[@TheWheelchairGuy]

I graduated a year after posting this comment

[@BotGod-lm6mb]

Wooooo congrats!

[@ImprovementGang]

To all those who have ambitious goals; you got this! Get serious and implement strategies

[@tothorsi]

Pronunciation of Csikszentmihalyi is A+!! :)

[@matyastornai4198]

tothorsi Hungarian here, confirmed

[@tothorsi]

Mátyás Tornai me too That's why I felt the right to mark it haha

[@kingabori5120]

just came here to say the same but I see there are other Hungarian CIG fans :)

[@Gram628]

Same :D

[@PetiHuber]

Big Hello from Hungary! My very first college semester is coming up, so I'm hanging on your channel all day :) love what you're doing!

[@NWforager]

chained a cheap bike pump in the garage . i let others use it , not steal it . A few more ppl started riding too

[@eduardoseitz4104]

We need more people like you.

[@VictoriaSobocki]

Voluntary public service!

[@janyuen123]

You’re awesome

[@tamaradimarco878]

You're amazing

[@martunia867]

Amazing idea!

[@paxonite-7bd5]

Boy I have to start my art and music practice again

[@Thomasfrank]

Get to it! :)

[@paxonite-7bd5]

Can you me tell how to do "learning practice" instead of just practice

[@paxonite-7bd5]

Just practice only becomes a mind ritual and I don't learn from it result I am tired and I don't want to do it

[@Thomasfrank]

Essentially you need to plan ahead and figure out what specific skill area you're going to work on. When I pick up the guitar, I ask myself - what is my goal here? Some days it's becoming more fluent with modes (I'm currently mastering the Aeolian), other days it's drilling chord changes. I also use courses (like on Skillshare) or apps (Autochord is a great one for chord progression practice) to direct my practice. And of course, learning songs is a great way to stretch your abilities! I have a more in-depth video on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpaspYqbj6uJftE (fittingly also sponsored by Skillshare)

[@paxonite-7bd5]

Thomas Frank Awesome thanks Thomas! :D

[@GrashalmTuts]

Reads a japanese book. Starts from the left.

[@chillcat8031]

exactly what I was thinking hahaha

[@Thomasfrank]

We were hoping someone would notice :P

[@LadySugarth]

Thomas Frank Don't try to turn this around smart ass haha

[@EminoMeneko]

Like the picture of the baby reading Kant but the book is upside down... ^^'

[@mariannkomlos8513]

I'm hungarian, and the pronanciation was exact and professional ;)

[@PersonalPower]

If you are a complete lazy fuck then commit to doing one important thing every day. Something that makes you proud at the end of the day. Next you create the habit to do this thing first in the morning, before you check your social media or anything else. This helped me a lot! Even if I have a lazy day I get one thing done in the morning and, I can go to sleep with a good feeling! -Personal Power, makes self improvement videos and is overcoming his own laziness!

[@samte1237]

nice!!

[@sizzlinsj8135]

I turn the Wifi off ...start studying if i feel like google something i write it down. Since i am too lazy to turn the wifi switch on i finish my studies and then turn it on. but when i start it on.. i spend too much time. i recently read 'Deep work' and started practicing it.

[@tnuoccaeht]

Thomas I love how your Channel is all about self improvement, but WITHOUT a mystical/metaphysical spin on it, or a red pill spin on it. It's pure, it's lighthearted, it's accessible, it can take my money. I love it, I LOVE IT, and you rock. 🍑🍑🍑

[@abotaweela1]

Why the peach emoji though? Lol

[@cristianmerono]

Thomas, you really have evolved the way you make your videos, your cam equipment is also a lot better. I have been seeing you for a while and you have created a list of self-improvement summaries in video format. So incredible that someone that really wants to improve himself/herself could start watching you and get not only the knowledge but also the motivation. Thanks for everything!!

[@mesh_plays527]

This Video couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you :) have a nice weekend everyone

[@ChrisandersonmusicCoUk]

Absolutely love that one of the youtube preview slides this video is your sunglassed lama

[@hugthebluebow]

Oh man, this video came out just in time for me. I'm trying to teach myself c++ and art, relearn calculus, and trying to stay consistent with HIIT, yoga, and bullet journaling. Knowing what I know now, my physical activities are consistent because I keep my equipment in the living room and the area clear. My studies are waning, most likely because I keep that stuff at my desk where I don't frequent as much. KZbin and Facebook are my worst time vampires. Thank you for the advice!

[@iamangi]

This was really great! I've used this method a few times but am glad I finally have more structure to it. Gonna try to implement it in my everyday routine and workout motivation as well. I'll keep you posted!

[@kvoprime1291]

Thank you so much man, I love your videos and signed up for the premium for skillshare. Really appreciate what you do AND the two free months! All the best to you and yours, man. Cheers!

[@adityaswain9833]

Love your videos, Thomas! Thank you for helping all of us!

[@adamkrause7033]

Dude, just found you channel and this is the 3rd video I've watched related to productivity/planning/habits and I really appreciate it. Lots of good stuff that I found really helpful. I spent so many years living a fairly unstructured life and so for a year or so now I've been slowly making changes too, like you said you did when you moved to Denver. Thanks again! This 20 second rule/concept is really great. I've noticed that since keeping my art-making tools and supplies around, I have been practicing every day as well. Cheers!

[@IshanMisraBEAST]

Love the work thomas!

[@fmeister2077]

You're a cool guy, Thomas. Watching your videos has motivated me to get my life in order (I'm still in the process though). Thanks for everything, and keep being awesome.

[@maschafestival]

Great video Thomas! When I was still living at home I realised trying to get all the things I wanted to get done in one small room almost made the effort redundant. Now, I'm big on re-arranging my living spaces to find the best layout suited to my needs. I think about furniture as shapes rather than their intended home in (say) the bedroom or bathroom; things can be moved around and re-purposed in a multitude of ways. Additionally, I can reach a point within any given room where I'm trying to do too much within one singular space. This makes work, relaxing, or getting underway with any project, difficult because there are too many things to distract and/or there's just a lack of space. Having a purpose for each room together with experimenting with the layout of furniture etc goes a long way to calm me down, get more things done efficiently, or increase my creativity. Same principles can be applied to the electronics :)

[@StyeAI]

To be honest, this youtube channel is one of my top 5 favorites. Super useful when it comes to life challenges. Thank you!!!

[@annabalogh7711]

Great video as always, Thomas. And even though your friend doesn't speak Hungarian he pronounced that name amazingly.

[@henriquefalleirosmareze7188]

Thomas, I figured out your channel and watched for the first time yesterday and it's amazing. I'm really addicted to it. Nice stuff. Thanks! New subscriber from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@ianj.gonzales4839]

I just love this video! Great work!

[@TechMDi]

Great points, Thomas! Enjoyed listening to your talk.

[@nathanjensen310]

LOVE IT! This 20-second rule is something I've already implemented, but now that I know the "science" behind it I'm inspired to use it to dispose of some bad habits. One of them being, as boring as it is, a procrastination addiction. I've been watching your videos for a few months now, and already I've cut down significantly on my procrastination addiction, and have become a much more productive and self-satisfied person. I will apply the concepts featured in this video to my piano passion as well.

[@zugrath16]

I've never really understood why americans wear shoes indoors (2:18). When you do take them off? What about the carpet? Won't your feet get smelly since you never ventilate them? If you don't take them off by the front door, where do you put your shoes? So many questions.... Anyways, great video.

[@hiturana3290]

Yes Box Most people i know don't wear their shoes inside,i was wondering the same thing.

[@OROgoldenpair1]

for the purposes of the video perhaps they left their shoes on. me, im mostly shoeless in the house lol, but shoes usually go near the bed

[@katie98711]

I put on my shoes when I leave the house and take them off when I go back. I'm barefoot all the time inside my house.

[@courtneylovesreading4116]

Yes Box I am a Pilipino American, and I have been curious about this as well. It is so much more comfortable and convenient to leave your shoes by the front door. I am one of four girls, and we always get comments such as, "wow...that's a lot of shoes", whenever non-Asian guests visit.

[@mariahmuhegi2410]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrRyanMinnick]

Starting college next month. I'm super nervous but excited, your videos are awesome :)

[@joserobertocastellon]

Yet another amazingly helpful video. Your video on Habitica has been a game changer for me. It hasn't been a magical solution, of course it's progressive and proportional to the effort I'm putting in, but man do I ever notice a huge difference in my productivity, both at work and at home. I've been doing stuff I would passionately procrastinate and feeling really good about my progress. *Thank you so much for all you do and share with us.*

[@makshat10]

Love your channel, every video is very motivating and helpful!

[@AdmiralTetanus]

I love this so much. Thank you for sharing your habits of success.

[@inspressions8905]

Your channel is awesome! It inspires me to get up and just do stuff.

[@actuallynr]

This is the best youtube channel on youtube, I get entertained by learning all of this.

[@alinaglover_]

Being more organized is something that I need to work on as a college student with big girl expenses. I signed up for SkillShare & I'm excited to use it!!! Thank you so much!

[@victorcurtis6400]

“The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life” By Shawn Achor Such a great book. Got it at the library then bought it for my shelf. Thank you for another great video!

[@andersonmiranda603]

Dude, that was incredible, will help me a lot!!! Thanks

[@cjleongson]

your one of my heroes thomas. thnx!

[@florenciamesa7388]

The videos esthetics has improved a lot!! I love it. it shows how much you are involved with College info geek :) greetings from Uruguay.

Hey, i'm Brazilian and thanks for your videos. they are helping a lot

[@abbyhilden5075]

Thank you for the Skillshare trial! So cool!

[@lullabymemo8520]

Thank you for these videos , it is very inspired

[@drhf1214]

This is awesome! Even before watching this video, the concepts you discussed are some that I've already encountered. I guess I indirectly use the 20-second rule to keep my running consistent since if I want to make sure I run a certain day, I'm already wearing my running gear. It really is all about reducing that friction.

[@TheJohnDeere5R]

Great video, always been a fan of your work !!

[@maxi-me]

Thanks for sharing these great tips and for making them sound so practical. I don't have a problem with consistency it's the launch. Once I'm fully immersed in something I'm committed.

[@DMRVR]

Right now, I am working toward improving my marching snare drum skills. I am planning auditioning for drum corps next year, and am preparing myself to do so. Thanks for the awesome video! I'm going to try this out and hope it works!

[@erinalexander9013]

Thank you Thomas!

[@StudyMD]

This is a beautiful video, always killing it with the amazing editing/animation skills!

[@BharathiBlogs]

Hy i'm your fan girl man!

[@AmitRajSharma]

@@BharathiBlogs o ki

[@KarolisRudelis]

I love your videos, I get many great ideas, thanks!

[@gabrielaqueiroz8436]

Great vídeo. You have been helping me a lot

[@peterbaines1763]

Just came across this channel from crash course. Looks amazing only had time to view a couple of videos but definitely going to check more out. Wanted to say a thank you and keep up the good work.

[@AlexHardy316]

You're awesome Thomas!

[@GoodOnPaperpvg]

This video is fantastic and really helpful! Thanks!

[@henrymichal8522]

great video man. thank you

[@alexandergnatyuk4053]

Hi! I've been watching your videos on productivity for a long time now. Thank you for sharing all the valuable knowledge you have. I am going to implement this video's insights in the following way: 1. Implement the rule about rebooting PC before switching to another task. 2. I will write a script that opens the folders which I need at start up. 3. I will put the books I must read on the next day somewhere I can always see them (maybe the desk?) before I go to sleep. The same goes for any other non-digital resource which I will need during the next day (like sheets for my Japanese writing practice, etc.). 4. I will create a folder in my browser's bookmarks toolbar that will contain bookmarks of resources I need in order to do my work so that I don't need to search for the information the first 10-20 minutes of my time blocks. This folder with bookmarks will be updated regularly and represent whatever I am focused on. These are just my ideas which I'll probably need to modify.

[@abigailnottingham7104]

I love it! Going to keep my pencils and brushes stored right next to the spot I sit to draw so I can literally just come home and start sketching. Simple but great advice, thanks Thomas. (also I enjoyed Martin's language cameo!)

[@fatima-zohrakhechai8812]

just loved this video, It is hard to find the path of consistency!!! Prioritizing is the most difficult part for me and I am working on it now

[@yourstory-ground]

I keep my books and all the study essentials all near my study desk and it's amazing to see me myself always engaged in my work really 20 seconds rule is great . thank you sir very much .

[@SharifSourour]

These are really good tips! Thanks for all your awesome videos.

[@Reibernadao]

My current goals are to improve my english (I'm a portuguese native speaker) and I got so much better at this by only watching youtube videos. I used to watch makeup videos but then I found your channel and at first it was so hard for me to understand the sentences but now (about 10 months later) it feels so easy. THank you

[@ojibwayinca8487]

Of all of your videos I have found this one to be the most immediately helpful, practical, and implementable for quick, real-world life change. It's such a no-brainer that I wonder how I've gone so long without doing this. Thanks!!

[@kas2583]

This stuff is really inspiring me. I want to learn to play the guitar but I know that I have very bad self discipline. My room is also super full and I always procrastinate cleaning up because I know ,because of my small room, everything would be messy again within a day. So I got rid of my bed because I used to sleep on a mattress anyways and ordered a guitar. I also re-arranged my room for it to be more open because it was never a safe space for me because it was so closed off. Hopefully now I'll read more, play guitar, watch tv more in my room because it all will be more accessible! Thank you for making these videos!

[@broccoli2699]

Exactly what i need for now, tks dude

[@azeminaay4971]

Congrats on being recognised and getting a segment on the crash course channel😊😁You deserve it👊🏻✌🏻️

[@MattMosca17]

Perfect timing here, as I'm moving back to Utah for my last year of college and I'm going to organize my room based on what I want to do most... music.

[@polifonica_]

Thank you so much Frank. I used to play guitar during my freshman college period, and for some reasons (exams, practical work, lessons) I stopped practicing. But now your video helps me a lot 'cause a long time ago I wanted to continue. You are amazing! Sorry about the englinsh, I'm from Argentina 😁🤘🏻💪🏻💕

[@AlexandraStrimbu]

One of my new resolutions was to start taking more classes on Skillshare, so thank you!

[@dewadebadon]

Thank you for the great content 👍

[@Peter-ez8tn]

Thank you much!!!! I already knew the 20s rule but this guitar app that you've shown is godlike!!!!

[@Bluedevildragon7]

I think this has helped me to understand that if you have everything set up beforehand it's easier to do. Including the environment definitely saving this in a playlist.

[@RomajaneAbrenio]

Thank you for this vid!

[@aagamchopra8750]

From quite long time I've been liking your video before completing it

[@MustBeTuesday]

Thank you for the free trial of skillshare! As for a goal I need to remove friction from, I signed up for a masterclass.com music composition thing a long time ago. I was enjoying watching the videos, and eventually I realized there are also assignments lol. By the time I realized this, it looked like I was way behind compared with all the other students. I tried printing out the lessons and leaving them on my desk, but week after week I keep not working on it. I think comparing myself with others is my big problem, and feeling like I ought to be in a hurry. Probably I should also tidy up the room where my keyboard is heh. It probably wouldn't hurt to leave the guitar in the living room like you do as well. One of the first assignments is to write a soundtrack for a scene from a movie, and to do that I feel like I need to be able to see the scene while playing the keyboard, so I should figure out a stand for my laptop that I can put near the keyboard. Hmmmm... Lots of stuff to think about!

[@user-ee7yw1uo5l]

2 month membership trial is yummy! And I think that I've been using the 20 seconds rule for the past year without even knowing it... For the same goal, as Thomas - honing guitar skills. Amusing.

[@_firstlight]

Thomas, I'm so excited for your Crash Course series! :)

[@ummicoats5207]

Isabella Wait, What?! How come I wasn't informed about this!!!

[@zoifiliou5738]

So, I live in a foreign country and this september I 'm going to start my senior year in high school. In my country, in order to succeed in your finals and have the opportunity to access in the university of your choice you have to study even in summer break. It's a really important year for me, so I 'm going to try this method to achieve my goals, because lately I have a serious problem with procrastination. Thank you so much, Thomas! Hope it 'll work!

[@WajidAli-jd7jg]

Excellent video dude! Its making me pick my guitar back up!

[@ChillTheFuckOutMeditations]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@Kman31ca]

Awesome, that just gave me some great ideas.

[@nathanthetailor]

My 20-second rule: I am currently writing a story with a bunch of characters that I've been playing around with for a while. All of the ideas and notes for the story are in one A4 notebook that I take to school with me. I have it organised in sections - random brainstorm, a mood board, character profiles - so I always add new information and I can always just get it out and start writing. Different thing, I also keep a small pair of weights in my room so I can do a quick workout when I have time. They are just on a shelf, in plain sight, so I have no excuses. I love your videos by the way, you've definitely helped with my new years resolutions.

[@JakeVoorhees]

Thomas you rock man! Love that you showed Simon Sinek as the example for presentation skills learning on skillshare :) even tho cc is required to sign up for 2 free months, i did! cheers!

[@marcosmorsch]

Hei thomas, I was also a flash on the pan and procrastinated to train drums, started with all intensity and after 2 weeks I did not train anymore. Now I'll use your tips.

[@Lisa_Flowers]

I've had a beautiful bass guitar that has needed playing for two years now! Can't wait to start again!

[@dreonthetube]

Great video!

[@holland5782]

I swear this is EXACTLY what I needed!!! 😂 thank you!!

[@brentwub]

Great video bud!

[@stratixfinance]

I..I... im just flabbergasted. Buddy you are UNIQUE! I just learned that you can drag and drop the site into the bookmarks bar. THANK YOU for LOADING up your vids with GREAT and USEFUL CONTENT! Soo glad that theres ppl like you doing vids.

[@Gilgamesh631]

This video was just brilliant Frank

[@marlings]

Great energy jumping out of the screen, thank you so much. Why do bike tires always need pumping up, such a pain!

[@audrey_bond_]

that was so helpful, thanks

[@pavXX]

Thanks for the Crackbook Revival chrome extension recommendation! Giving that a try..

[@deeyrawdah7763]

love the new look! okay I'm going to go back to the video

[@MillenniumEye373]

I think I'm in love with this guy, not only he's helping us, but he's really attractive as well. SUBSCRIBED.

[@SimplyJeet]

I think this is an awesome idea, will definitely try and implement it and see how it goes

[@mm553210]

This video is great to improve my skill up. I'm a musician so sometimes (always😅) worry about my future or how do I make planning of my practice. Thanks for sharing this. 👍

[@nickNcar]

I love the first tip because it's something I started doing recently. I recently unplugged all of my video games and put them in my closet in boxes. I can still get to them but it takes time to pull them out and effort to plug everything in and get it all synced up and connected to the internet basically creating more work than it's worth in most cases.

[@DD-uo9zo]

Zabardast re pora.thomas ek number

[@uditadatar1858]

your hair looks so good!!