the little monster
So I just spent the last hour of my life watching YouTube shorts.
I told myself that watching YouTube would be a good way to relax myself for the day. But I knew deep down that that wasn't true - I don't think I've ever felt rested or relaxed after watching YouTube.
But for some reason, I still did it.
I realised that I wasn't in control at that time. There was a voice in the back of my head, commanding me to do it. I prefer to think of this voice as a little monster living in my head. It's not me, but I am forced to live with it.
The goal of the monster is simple: to get it's fix. It doesn't care what the cost is to get the fix. And if it doesn't get it's fix, then it starts to throw a tantrum, and you won't be able to ignore it's tantrum.
The only way I've found to deal with the little monster is to realise the difference between when I'm speaking, and when the monster is speaking. You'll find that you don't have the same goals or desires as the monster.
Then, I ask myself: "what does this activity do for me?".
In my case: "What does watching YouTube shorts do for me?".
The answer is: Absolutely nothing. It wastes my time, saps my energy, and makes my focus worse.
The little monster wants do to it, not you. Know the difference, and you'll be set free.
Apply this to anything you do repeatedly that you actually hate to do.