So, this is a VERY simple and well known experiment. So much so, that I dare call it the stupidest experiment you can do. I also apologize for sounding like an idiot myself. Takes one to know one I suppose. At least I'm smart enough to admit that I'm an idiot.
The goal is very simple: Make yourself do ANYTHING, and enjoy it - even if you hate it. What's the theory behind it?
Our brain does just about everything through the subconscious. Breathing, blinking, swallowing - we rarely think or notice these subtle actions are bodies do. What we fail to realize that in fact, most of what we do is automatic.
Take typing for example. I think I'm actually controlling my fingers to say what I want, but in reality - that's just not the case. I just have to think of what to say, and my fingers do the rest.
There was an experiment done at a high school. A teacher through a frisbee, and students had to come up with a plan to catch it, and recite the strategy. 'Move quickly' 'go zig-zag' and so on. What they found was, despite all the students thinking they were doing something unique, they all moved and stayed focused on the object, their body kept moving to keep the frisbee in a straight line. Their brain was compensating for the movements without the students knowledge.
Repetitive actions also become ingrained and automatic. Take knitting for example. Those who have proficiency in knitting can have conversations, watch TV or have other distractions. The act of knitting itself becomes secondary.
So, if that's true for things you like - what about things you absolutely hate doing, but you still gotta do them? If you're brain takes over for things you find pleasure in, can you distract your conscious thought so that your subconscious can take over? Here's the original question I asked when I thought about this.
IF what they’re saying is true, and our brain does most things, like knitting, walking, and even brushing your hair – then can we trick our actually conscious of doing the work?
I HATE DISHES! I mean, passionately. Nothing that is normal motivation for most people, really works on me. Disclipline, rewards, even routines – I hate doing chores with a passion.
However; I also know how to do dishes really well. Once I’m doing them, I just get bored because it’s automatic. If it’s automatic, that means my actual perception is free. I hate doing dishes because, well, I’m lazy. I’m also bored. Extremely bored, and I need something to focus on. For some people, it’s TV. That doesn’t work, I get distracted. I need something that is invisible.
I should also make note: This is not new – I’m not pretending to be on something big, but I am curious to see how it works for me. Can it work for me, and if so, how?
Most people daydream when doing household tasks, it’s why some people really enjoy them. Unfortunately, this also doesn’t work for me. Thinking too much on my own, tends to leave me loathing the chores. So, what can I do instead?
The answer was way simpler than I thought it would be. The answer was Music.
Here's what you do.
Take an MP3 player, and headphones. Speakers won't work, headphones will allow your brain to focus more on the music, and not outside influences.
Focus on the music, completely! Observe the different notes, lyrics, beats and so on. Take note of how the melody changes, and become aware of when a new song comes into play.
While you're focusing on that, do the chores.
When finished here's what you do:
Write about the music. What are some things that you were able to notice, that otherwise would be ignored?
Write about the chore: What changed? How did you view it? What did you notice or not notice?
This is extremely simple - but the simplest solutions are often the most profound.
http://dragonknowledge.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/experiment-1-trick-your-head/ < ---- Original Experiment I did a few weeks ago and the results are void. It still worked! Just invalid lol