Learned Industriousness (Why It’s a Total Game-Changer)
Here’s How to Make Hard Work Feel Easy
If there’s one thing I wish someone had told me sooner, it is that- hard work is a skill you can learn.
It’s not some magical gift that only a chosen few possess. It is called learned industriousness. Once you get the hang of it, even the toughest tasks start feeling easier.
So, What Is Learned Industriousness?
Alright, learned industriousness is the idea that the more you push through hard stuff, the better you get at handling it.
Basically, our brain learns to associate effort with rewards. So, using the same method, we are teaching our brain to work harder.
Let me give you an example, have you ever struggled with a math problem for hours and finally get the answer? Remember that little rush of happiness you feel? That’s your brain rewarding you.
And the next time you face a tricky problem, you are already a bit more patient because you know the reward is coming.
That’s learned industriousness in action.
I Was Not Born Industrious
Let me tell you something honestly, if being lazy were an Olympic sport, I would’ve won gold as a kid. During my girlhood, I used to be a very lazy kid.But growing up, every time I actually pushed myself to finish something, it got a little easier.
When I started writing, initially I couldn’t sit still for more than ten minutes.
But gradually upon pushing myself, I learnt to spend longer time while concentrating at one place. Years later, now I can write for hours, while sitting at one place until I am done.
How Can You Learn to Be More Industrious?
Okay, so how do you train your brain to work harder without feeling like torturing yourself?
1. Start with Small -Baby Steps
If you are trying to tackle a big task, start with baby steps at a time.
Like….if you want to read more, aim for just 5 minutes a day at the beginning.Similarly, if you want to get better at math? Solve one problem. It sounds silly, but these small wins add up in the long run.
2. Celebrate Every Win
Our brain loves rewards. Have you completed a project? High-five yourself (seriously). These rewards tell your brain that effort = good feelings.
3. Be Consistent
Always remember , consistency is your best friend. The more often you push yourself through challenges, the easier it gets. It’s easy to think of it like leveling up in a video game. It’s similar to every time you beat a tough level, the next one feels a little less impossible.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Look, the fact is that no one gets it right all the time. If you mess up or take a break, that’s okay, it happens with everyone.What matters is that you keep going. Progress, not perfection.
Why Bother Learning Industriousness?
Because it makes life easier, plain and simple. Once you teach your brain that hard work pays off, you can handle bigger and better things without feeling overwhelmed.
If I can learn to be industrious, trust me, anyone can. It’s not about being naturally good at everything. It’s about training your brain to stick with the hard stuff because you know the reward is coming.
