How to unf*** your motivation

This article aims to explore various strategies for enhancing motivation and overall mental well-being, drawing insights from personal experiences and practical tips. It delves into unconventional approaches like "conscious brain-deadness" to combat information overload, optimizing circadian rhythm for better sleep, and managing caffeine intake to avoid energy crashes. Furthermore, it highlights the often-overlooked impact of allergies on cognitive function, suggests a unique method for reducing screen time, and recommends a specific supplement stack for improved brain performance and motivation. The goal is to provide actionable advice for individuals feeling mentally drained or lacking motivation, enabling them to reclaim their mental and physical energy.

Conscious Brain-Deadness

One of the most counterintuitive yet effective strategies discussed is the concept of "consciously brain-dead." This approach addresses the overwhelming amount of information available on the internet, which often leads to analysis paralysis. When faced with a task, the abundance of conflicting advice can make it seem impossible to start, leading to inaction and a sense of demoralization. The speaker suggests that to combat this, one should deliberately simplify their approach and stop consulting external information for every decision.

The answer to being more productive in the year of our Lord 2025 is to flip a switch in your brain where you're no longer consulting the internet or outside information in order to do basically anything. Become brain dead. Become an actual Neanderthal and do things the stupid way.

For example, if you need to write an essay about Genghis Khan but are unsure how to begin, instead of researching endlessly for the "perfect" angle, simply start writing whatever comes to mind, even if it seems unrefined. The idea is to begin the task, no matter how "stupid" or unpolished the initial steps might appear. This proactive engagement often leads to a natural desire to improve and refine the work as you progress, at which point external resources can be consulted to enhance what's already in motion.

Optimizing Circadian Rhythm

Adjusting one's circadian rhythm is described as a straightforward way to significantly improve overall well-being. The speaker implemented three key changes to achieve higher quality, longer, and deeper sleep.

Solving the Bright Room Issue

Facing a challenge with a loft setup featuring numerous windows that allowed sunlight to disrupt sleep, the speaker initially considered traditional solutions like curtains. However, the most effective and self-proclaimed "best idea" was to use a sleep mask, obtainable for around $9 on Amazon. This simple solution effectively maintains darkness, promoting deeper and more restful sleep until one is ready to wake up.

Morning Sun Exposure

Within 30 minutes of waking up, the speaker highly recommends going outside and exposing oneself to sunlight. While direct sun-gazing (advocated by some like Andrew Huberman) is an option, simply being outdoors and letting the sun hit one's face signals to the body that it's time to wake up. Consistent practice over days and weeks helps the body establish a natural wake-up time and provides sustained energy throughout the day.

Strategic Caffeine Intake

The speaker realized they were "abusing" caffeine by consuming it immediately upon waking. This habit prevented the brain from naturally purging adenosine, a molecule that induces sleepiness. When caffeine, which binds to adenosine, wore off, the accumulated adenosine would lead to a severe afternoon crash. The new strategy involves waiting 90 minutes after waking before consuming caffeinated coffee. During this initial 90-minute window, a cup of decaf coffee is consumed, satisfying the ritual without interfering with the natural adenosine purge. After 90 minutes, regular coffee is introduced, providing actual energy without the subsequent crash, leading to a much more sustained and effective energy boost.

Addressing Undiagnosed Allergies

A significant discovery for the speaker was the presence of severe, undiagnosed allergies. While most people associate allergies with symptoms like a stuffy nose or watery eyes, the speaker experienced profound brain fog and chronic lethargy. Moving to a new environment abundant in certain flora, such as scotch broom, exacerbated these issues. Upon taking Claritin (Loratadine), there was a dramatic improvement in cognitive function, leading to a feeling of significantly increased IQ. This highlights the crucial connection between physical health and brain function, emphasizing that the brain, as a physical organ, is susceptible to distress from other bodily systems.

Reducing Screen Time with Grayscale Mode

To curb excessive screen time, specifically by "about 80%", the speaker implemented a simple yet effective trick: setting the phone's display to grayscale mode. This setting can typically be found in accessibility options (e.g., Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters > Grayscale for iPhones). While the phone remains fully functional—allowing for email checks, YouTube, and Instagram usage—the lack of vibrant colors makes engaging with content significantly less stimulating and therefore "boring." This subtle modification reduces the addictive appeal of social media and other apps without feeling like a drastic lifestyle change, making it easier to naturally decrease phone usage and focus on more important tasks.

Strategic Supplement Stack

A refined supplement regimen has also played a crucial role in improving motivation and energy. The speaker’s current stack, though initially extensive, has been simplified to a few key supplements:

Vitamin D3

Daily intake of Vitamin D3 (five drops daily for the speaker, although specific dosage recommendations should be consulted with a professional) is mentioned. Vitamin D is known to impact dopamine receptor density, contributing to increased motivation.

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil, specifically Carlson's soft gels, is highly recommended at the daily recommended dose (four softgels for the speaker). It is a rich natural source of Vitamin A and Vitamin D, both vital for optimal brain function and dopamine receptor density, leading to enhanced motivation.

Creatine

Supplementing with 5 milligrams of creatine per day is highlighted. While commonly known for its benefits in bodybuilding (aiding explosive power), creatine also significantly boosts short-term memory and overall brain function, as the brain is a high consumer of this compound.

ZMX (Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6)

ZMX, a combination of zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin B6, is noted for making a noticeable difference. Magnesium aids in relaxation and sleep at night, while Vitamin B6 contributes to overall feelings of well-being.

Tongkat Ali

A recent addition to the stack is Tongkat Ali, specifically for testosterone optimization. This emphasizes the role of hormonal balance in overall energy and motivation.

Takeaways

Embrace Brain-Deadness: Combat information overload by starting tasks without excessive research; begin "stupidly" and refine later.
Optimize Circadian Rhythm: Improve sleep quality by using a sleep mask, getting morning sun exposure, and strategic caffeine consumption (90-minute delay after waking).
Address Allergies: Be aware that allergies can cause brain fog and lethargy; consider antihistamines like Claritin if experiencing these symptoms.
Reduce Screen Time: Set your phone to grayscale mode to make it less engaging and naturally decrease usage without feeling restrictive.
Strategic Supplementation: Consider supplements like Vitamin D3, Cod Liver Oil, Creatine, and ZMX (Zinc, Magnesium, B6) for improved brain function and sustained motivation.