I would like to introduce you to a technique. It is called as ‘Thumbs Up in the jar.’
Depression is sneaky. It doesn't hit you like a brick. It crawls, slowly and steadily until you realize it's too late.
Do you realize why you feel this way? Why you go in this trap? Why do you fall in depression?
It all starts with that first loss.
You set your alarm for 6am. You wake up at 8. “Shitt, I can't even wake up when I decide to wake up. I am good for nothing.” (Loss 1)
“I'll start this at 9.” Time goes by and you realize it's already 9:45. “Shitt I didn't start. I am good for nothing.” (Loss 2)
“Ok, I'll take a break for half hour.” 3 hours later. “ Shit, I have wasted so much time. I had to do so much. I am good for nothing.” (Loss 3)
This keeps on going and you sleep with the guilt of not being productive.
And the cycle repeats the next day.
You know what you did? You counted all your thumbs-down (small losses) and stored them in your jar. In the night you opened it, counted the small losses and felt bad about yourself. You make yourself believe that you are good for nothing. This is exactly why you repeat your cycle. It is ingrained in your belief system that you are good for nothing.
What I am asking you to do is the exact opposite of what you are doing right now. Put a thumbs-up for every small win in your jar instead of a thumbs-down for every small loss.
You woke late? Fine. Did you at least start your work? Great! (Win 1)
I did my work for 2 whole hours! (Win 2)
Fine I wasted 3 hrs but I realized it. Now I am going to start again right now. (Win 3)
You keep building up your thumbs-ups in your jar and focus on them when you go to sleep.
Your “I am good for nothing” will slowly change to “Hell yeah, I am awesome.”
You beat depression by focusing on the good. Focusing on the good improves your mood. Your improved mood makes you want to do your work. Wanting to do your work improves your productivity. Improving your productivity beats your depression.
It's all related.
Just look for those small wins. Divide your work and achieve those small wins. They will eventually decide your happiness and productivity.
