Use the Triple Check Method to jumpstart your brain | Anne-Laure Le Cunff

Key Concepts:

• Procrastination as a signal, not a character flaw
• Efficiency worship and its impact on self-worth
• The Triple Check (Head, Heart, Hand)
• Magic Windows (moments of high productivity and focus)
• Mindful Productivity (focus on energy, emotions, and executive function)
• Death by Two Arrows (primary emotion vs. secondary self-blame)

1. The Problem with Procrastination:

• Procrastination is often viewed negatively due to societal pressure to be productive.
• Productivity has been moralized, linking self-worth to output.
• This "efficiency worship" leads to procrastination being seen as a character flaw rather than a signal.
• The speaker argues that procrastination is a signal worth listening to, not something to be ignored or beaten.
• The speaker mentions the rise of the productivity industry, including online courses, templates, and wearables, all aimed at optimizing time and tasks.

2. The Triple Check: A Tool for Self-Discovery:

• The Triple Check is a tool to understand the root cause of procrastination.
• It involves asking yourself if the procrastination stems from the Head (rational), Heart (emotional), or Hand (practical).
  • Head: You're not convinced of the task's value or strategy.
  • Heart: You don't find the task enjoyable.
  • Hand: You lack the necessary tools, resources, or skills.
• The Triple Check is not just diagnostic but also prescriptive, suggesting solutions for each scenario.
  • Head: Redefine the strategy, brainstorm with colleagues.
  • Heart: Redesign the experience to make it more fun (e.g., work at a coffee shop, co-working).
  • Hand: Ask for help, seek mentoring, or take a course.

3. Systemic Barriers and Environmental Factors:

• If the Triple Check reveals alignment (Head, Heart, Hand are all "go"), but procrastination persists, consider systemic barriers.
• This involves:
  • Honest conversations with stakeholders.
  • Redesigning the work environment for better focus.
  • Potentially removing yourself from the environment if change is impossible.

4. Magic Windows: Identifying Peak Performance:

• Magic Windows are moments of high productivity, creativity, and focus where effort feels minimal.
• Time seems to flow effortlessly, and attention is fully engaged.
• Examples include being lost in a conversation or working on a creative task.
• The key is to identify these moments and learn to intentionally create them.

5. Mindful Productivity: Shifting the Focus to Energy:

• Mindful productivity combines mindfulness (present moment awareness without judgment) with productivity.
• It involves answering three questions:
  • When is my magic window?
  • What belongs in this window?
  • How can I keep that window open?
• Traditional productivity focuses on time as the primary resource, treating each minute as a box to fill.
• Mindful productivity considers physical, emotional, and cognitive resources (energy, emotions, and executive function).
• The speaker advocates shifting the focus from time to energy as the most important resource.

6. Reframing Procrastination as a Signal:

• Instead of viewing procrastination as an enemy to be beaten, see it as a useful signal from your brain.
• This allows you to connect with the emotions underlying the procrastination.
• By understanding these emotions, you can better understand your relationship to work and become more productive.

7. Death by Two Arrows: Addressing Self-Blame:

• The concept of "Death by Two Arrows" from Buddhism explains the layers of suffering.
• The first arrow is the initial difficult emotion (e.g., procrastination).
• The second arrow is the self-blame and shame that follows.
• The speaker emphasizes that the second arrow is optional; you don't have to add self-inflicted suffering to the initial challenge.

8. Conclusion:

The key takeaways are to reframe procrastination as a signal, use the Triple Check to understand its root cause, identify and cultivate "magic windows" of peak performance, practice mindful productivity by focusing on energy management, and avoid the "second arrow" of self-blame. By shifting perspective and practicing self-compassion, one can develop a healthier and more productive relationship with work.