WEBVTT 00:00:20.050 --> 00:00:21.513 Hello Habit Mechanics. 00:00:21.513 --> 00:00:22.777 It's Dr John Finn here. 00:00:22.777 --> 00:00:24.821 I hope you're doing well. 00:00:26.451 --> 00:00:49.847 So this is the fourth part of our mini podcast series where we're just giving you full access to the new best-selling and it is a bestseller across four leadership and business categories the quite hard categories to become a bestseller on Amazon or it has been. 00:00:49.847 --> 00:00:54.518 Those charts are changing all the time, so it's a bestselling book. 00:00:54.518 --> 00:00:57.499 We're getting some amazing feedback, so thanks for that. 00:00:57.499 --> 00:01:03.301 People are telling us that these things are really helping them. 00:01:03.301 --> 00:01:11.454 Telling us that these things are really helping them. 00:01:11.454 --> 00:01:13.662 You know the ai um understanding about how it's impacting life. 00:01:13.662 --> 00:01:13.765 So it's going to impact life. 00:01:13.765 --> 00:01:14.069 It's, you know, it's almost changing on a daily basis. 00:01:14.069 --> 00:01:39.401 One of the things I found quite interesting recently was listening to a podcast that, um, our head of business, katherine grant, had made me aware of, and it's from one of the guys who's on the Dragon's Den, which is the UK equivalent of Shark Tank. 00:01:39.401 --> 00:02:21.439 So it's a series where people can pitch their business ideas and potentially get investment, and I just found it really surprising that this person, who's a very famous entrepreneur, was saying that they'd only just realised how powerful AI was, was saying that they'd only just realised how powerful AI was, and on his podcast he had a number of leading thinkers in this space and they were saying that AI, kind of silently, has already replaced about well millions of jobs. 00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:47.506 Obviously, businesses are not taking out press releases to disclose that, but it is changing the world and I know that I think every day now about 800 million people are using chat GTP and that's happening because it's powerful and people get benefits right. 00:02:47.506 --> 00:02:50.415 So, yeah, this is not going away. 00:02:50.415 --> 00:03:13.218 So understanding how your brain works, getting that measurement of your current brain states, your human ai readiness score, and then understanding how to create a long-term strategy, a daily strategy, in a way of automating your daily approach, is so, so key and that's why we wrote Train your Brain for the AI Revolution. 00:03:13.218 --> 00:03:26.771 It is the world's first AI-era brain and leadership training program, essentially, and we are running live training with people, with with businesses. 00:03:26.771 --> 00:03:33.394 We're training people to become now human AI performance psychology coaches. 00:03:33.394 --> 00:03:36.125 We've created that new field of psychology. 00:03:36.125 --> 00:03:50.415 So we're really leading the way on this and we're working with people one-to-one as well such a broad range of people but all who want to capitalize on these new opportunities of the AI era. 00:03:51.957 --> 00:03:58.353 So suppose what we're offering here with train your brain for the AI revolution book. 00:03:58.353 --> 00:04:03.362 It's sort of like all books or knowledge based products. 00:04:03.362 --> 00:04:05.177 It's kind of a do-it-yourself approach. 00:04:05.177 --> 00:04:09.960 Some people just want the knowledge and they put it into practice themselves. 00:04:09.960 --> 00:04:13.151 Some people want one-to-one support and coaching. 00:04:13.151 --> 00:04:21.995 Others want to learn how to do it for their teams or or even create their own business using this approach, and we can help you with all of those things. 00:04:23.315 --> 00:04:39.516 So today we are going to again breaking that belief that just talking to someone about what you want to work on, what you want to improve on, is enough. 00:04:39.516 --> 00:04:39.978 It isn't. 00:04:39.978 --> 00:04:42.396 The data is very clear. 00:04:42.396 --> 00:04:54.033 If we want to change our behavior, we need a systematic approach, and that's what the success cycle is in the heart of train your brain for the ai revolution, um. 00:04:54.033 --> 00:05:09.478 So what we've done in the past few episodes is we've shown you how to measure your brain states, then how to um, which is step one of the success cycle, and step two is planning with the task director. 00:05:09.478 --> 00:05:17.401 So we showed you that in the last episode, or last episode of this mini series, and then in the um. 00:05:18.182 --> 00:05:21.293 In this episode, we're going to talk about optimization with the day designer. 00:05:21.293 --> 00:05:35.014 So we're going to cover chapters 20, 21 and 23 and we're going to go deep and help you to create something called a willpower story, such a powerful tool and this is like your daily strategy. 00:05:35.014 --> 00:05:56.459 It's like a container that you can put all your um, all the things that you want to achieve every day into, whether it's very tangible things like finishing that proposal, or things that feel less tangible, like managing stress better or being a better leader, or being more focused and productive, so you can do more high-impact thinking every day. 00:05:56.459 --> 00:05:59.571 So, yeah, that's what's coming up, as ever. 00:05:59.571 --> 00:06:01.218 If you have any questions, just let us know. 00:06:01.218 --> 00:06:06.153 Contact us via the website, if you're not in the app or any of our other channels. 00:06:06.153 --> 00:06:11.524 Again, make notes, don't just nod along. 00:06:11.524 --> 00:06:16.718 Put things into practice and you'll start to get immense benefits. 00:06:16.718 --> 00:06:17.922 So here is. 00:06:17.922 --> 00:06:34.187 Here is, first of all, chapter 20, which is the first part of step three from the success cycle from our best-selling book Train your Brain for the AI revolution. 00:06:39.031 --> 00:06:44.478 Success cycle, step three Optimization with the day designer. 00:06:44.478 --> 00:06:47.259 Planning transforms energy. 00:06:47.259 --> 00:06:48.245 The day designer Planning transforms energy. 00:06:48.245 --> 00:06:50.471 The day designer, chapter 20. 00:06:50.471 --> 00:06:53.321 Creating your first willpower story. 00:06:54.410 --> 00:07:00.069 Sarah looked down at her lists of tasks, now neatly organised into ice sculptures and ice cubes. 00:07:00.069 --> 00:07:07.424 I knew which tasks needed my best thinking, she told me later, but I still wasn't sure when to do them. 00:07:07.424 --> 00:07:15.764 That's when the day designer introduced me to something that revolutionised my approach to planning the willpower story. 00:07:15.764 --> 00:07:25.783 Think of your willpower story as a simple map that matches your tasks to your brain's natural and enhanced energy patterns. 00:07:25.783 --> 00:07:34.992 Just as your FAM story guides your long-term journey, your Willpower story helps you navigate each day's steps along that path. 00:07:34.992 --> 00:07:40.021 The day designer has a saying planning transforms energy. 00:07:40.021 --> 00:07:59.704 Just as a lighthouse operator needs to understand weather patterns and deliberately manage their beam's power to maximise its reach across changing conditions, we need to actively plan how we use our brain states rather than letting them operate randomly. 00:07:59.704 --> 00:08:17.377 Through deliberate planning, we can transform our basic energy patterns into optimised states, whether through our own management practices or strategic AI use, reaching levels of performance that wouldn't be possible through natural patterns alone. 00:08:17.377 --> 00:08:21.939 This is why planning isn't just about organising tasks. 00:08:21.939 --> 00:08:27.713 It's about understanding and deliberately shaping the energy we bring to those tasks. 00:08:27.713 --> 00:08:42.694 What made this tool so powerful, sarah explained, was how it showed me when to use my brain's high-charge state for important work and when to handle routine tasks in medium-charge states. 00:08:42.694 --> 00:08:51.495 Instead of fighting my energy patterns, I could work with them, leveraging your AI support system. 00:08:51.495 --> 00:08:59.753 When I first categorised my tasks, sarah shared, I realised something important about my AI tools. 00:08:59.753 --> 00:09:08.005 Some could handle my IceCube tasks almost entirely, like summarising routine meetings or drafting basic emails. 00:09:08.005 --> 00:09:16.661 Others could enhance my ice sculpture work, not by replacing my thinking, but by handling, supporting tasks. 00:09:17.062 --> 00:09:23.073 While I've focused on innovation, consider your own tasks in two categories. 00:09:23.073 --> 00:09:25.115 Consider your own tasks in two categories. 00:09:25.115 --> 00:09:27.098 Number one ice cubes that AI could handle. 00:09:27.098 --> 00:09:32.164 Think about routine emails, basic research and standard reports. 00:09:32.164 --> 00:09:45.282 Number two ice sculptures, where AI could support and augment your premium thinking for tasks like strategic planning, creative work or complex problem solving. 00:09:45.282 --> 00:09:51.923 Don't worry if you're not sure exactly how AI can support different types of tasks. 00:09:51.923 --> 00:10:01.722 The key thing is to start thinking about this and to begin considering how you might use these tools more strategically throughout your day. 00:10:02.589 --> 00:10:05.859 Remember you don't need to figure it all out at once. 00:10:05.859 --> 00:10:11.481 This understanding will develop naturally as you work with your willpower story. 00:10:11.481 --> 00:10:19.483 For now, let's focus on creating that story, creating your first willpower story. 00:10:19.483 --> 00:10:22.575 You'll need three things to get started. 00:10:22.575 --> 00:10:25.382 First, a blank piece of paper. 00:10:25.382 --> 00:10:31.121 Second, your lists of ice sculpture and ice cube tasks from the previous chapter. 00:10:31.121 --> 00:10:34.678 Third, 15 minutes of quiet time. 00:10:34.678 --> 00:10:37.656 Now let's follow these steps. 00:10:38.569 --> 00:10:39.051 Step 1. 00:10:39.051 --> 00:10:41.239 Draw your basic timeline. 00:10:41.239 --> 00:10:49.614 Turn your paper sideways, landscape and draw a horizontal line across the middle, from one end of the page to the other. 00:10:49.614 --> 00:10:53.899 Now divide this line into the key parts of your day. 00:10:53.899 --> 00:11:05.949 For example, wake up time, early morning, mid-morning, lunch time, early afternoon, late afternoon, evening bedtime, lunchtime, early afternoon, late afternoon, evening Bedtime. 00:11:05.949 --> 00:11:13.419 Just seeing my day laid out like this, sarah shared, helped me be more realistic about what I could accomplish. 00:11:14.930 --> 00:11:15.452 Step 2. 00:11:15.452 --> 00:11:18.300 Mark your high-charge times. 00:11:18.300 --> 00:11:25.592 Most people have their best thinking energy in the morning, but this varies On your timeline. 00:11:25.592 --> 00:11:28.600 Mark when you typically experience these states. 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:33.741 When you feel most alert and focused, this is your high-charge state. 00:11:33.741 --> 00:11:38.561 When you have less mental energy, this is your medium-charge state. 00:11:38.561 --> 00:11:41.529 Sarah discovered something important. 00:11:41.529 --> 00:11:45.669 Sarah discovered something important. 00:11:45.669 --> 00:11:51.680 I realised I'm sharpest from 8am to 11am. 00:11:51.680 --> 00:11:53.049 Then have another good period from 3pm to 5pm. 00:11:53.049 --> 00:11:54.891 This became the foundation for planning my day. 00:11:54.911 --> 00:11:55.452 Step 3. 00:11:55.452 --> 00:11:57.856 Place your ice sculpture tasks. 00:11:57.856 --> 00:12:01.823 Match your ice sculpture tasks to your high charge times. 00:12:01.823 --> 00:12:09.212 Here are some examples Complete complex planning during morning high charge peak. 00:12:09.212 --> 00:12:13.423 Have important meetings when you are most alert. 00:12:13.423 --> 00:12:18.816 Do your creative work during afternoon high-charge time. 00:12:19.944 --> 00:12:20.466 Step 4. 00:12:20.466 --> 00:12:22.533 Fill in routine tasks. 00:12:22.533 --> 00:12:33.832 Place your ice cube tasks during these times, during natural energy dips, between more demanding tasks when you know you'll have less focus. 00:12:33.832 --> 00:12:39.857 Here's an example to help you pull everything together 6am Wake-up time. 00:12:39.857 --> 00:12:40.904 6am wake up time. 00:12:40.904 --> 00:12:43.212 7am start your day. 00:12:43.212 --> 00:12:48.436 8am ice sculpture work during high charge state. 00:12:48.436 --> 00:12:53.376 10am continue ice sculpture work in high charge state. 00:12:53.376 --> 00:12:55.631 12noon take a break. 00:12:55.631 --> 00:13:00.315 1pm handle ice cube tasks in medium charge state. 00:13:00.315 --> 00:13:05.307 3 pm return to ice sculpture work in high charge state. 00:13:05.307 --> 00:13:11.538 5 pm complete ice cube tasks in medium charge state. 00:13:11.538 --> 00:13:14.022 5 30 pm. 00:13:14.884 --> 00:13:19.187 Start winding down with activities like your daily 3-to-1 reflection. 00:13:19.187 --> 00:13:23.931 9.30pm bedtime remember to start small. 00:13:23.931 --> 00:13:29.074 Just like Sarah, I started by just planning my morning hours. 00:13:29.074 --> 00:13:30.295 Sarah recalled. 00:13:30.295 --> 00:13:34.759 Once that worked, I gradually expanded to the full day. 00:13:34.759 --> 00:13:37.161 The key was keeping it simple. 00:13:37.161 --> 00:13:43.207 At first she smiled as she remembered how this approach paid off. 00:13:43.207 --> 00:13:47.655 Once I expanded to evening planning, I discovered something powerful. 00:13:47.655 --> 00:13:54.740 Including my three-to-one reflection in my willpower story helped both habits grow stronger. 00:13:54.740 --> 00:14:01.597 Good planning supported better reflection, and better reflection led to clearer planning. 00:14:03.505 --> 00:14:05.548 Common challenges to watch for. 00:14:05.548 --> 00:14:09.615 Challenge one Trying to do too much. 00:14:09.615 --> 00:14:12.039 I learned the hard way. 00:14:12.039 --> 00:14:21.565 Sarah shared that you can only do about four to five hours of premium thinking work each day, and sometimes over six hours. 00:14:21.565 --> 00:14:23.548 When you get the AI working with you. 00:14:23.548 --> 00:14:26.354 Trying to do more just doesn't work. 00:14:26.354 --> 00:14:30.666 Challenge two Fighting your patterns. 00:14:30.666 --> 00:14:34.876 Don't schedule demanding work when your brain naturally needs rest. 00:14:34.876 --> 00:14:37.868 Move ice sculptures to your high charge times. 00:14:38.409 --> 00:14:40.412 Your next steps Step 1. 00:14:40.412 --> 00:14:43.798 Create tomorrow's basic willpower story. 00:14:43.798 --> 00:14:48.949 Draw your timeline, mark your typical high-charge times. 00:14:48.949 --> 00:14:54.178 Place just one to three ice sculptures to work on during these times. 00:14:54.178 --> 00:14:57.765 Fill in some ice cubes around them. 00:14:57.765 --> 00:14:58.306 Step 2. 00:14:58.306 --> 00:15:00.108 Notice what works. 00:15:00.108 --> 00:15:02.972 When did you feel most focused? 00:15:02.972 --> 00:15:06.236 Which times worked best for important tasks? 00:15:06.236 --> 00:15:08.699 When was routine work easier? 00:15:08.699 --> 00:15:13.128 Remember this is just your first attempt. 00:15:13.128 --> 00:15:13.710 Keep it simple. 00:15:13.710 --> 00:15:17.995 Be patient and let the day designer guide you toward your optimal rhythm. 00:15:17.995 --> 00:15:22.575 The key is getting started with something you can actually use tomorrow. 00:15:23.164 --> 00:15:24.048 Chapter 21. 00:15:24.048 --> 00:15:29.131 Strengthening your willpower story Success cycle location. 00:15:29.131 --> 00:15:30.447 Step 3. 00:15:30.447 --> 00:15:33.370 Progress 50% complete. 00:15:34.745 --> 00:15:42.714 Sarah had been using her basic willpower story for a week, matching her ice sculptures to her high-charge times. 00:15:42.714 --> 00:15:51.176 I was getting better results, she told me later, but sometimes I still struggled to maintain those high-charge states. 00:15:51.176 --> 00:15:57.717 That's when the day designer showed me how to protect and strengthen my best thinking hours. 00:15:57.717 --> 00:16:05.091 This is where two powerful resources come into play your strengths and willpower boosters. 00:16:05.091 --> 00:16:14.817 Think of these as the support systems that help you maintain your optimal brain states, especially during important high-charge work. 00:16:14.817 --> 00:16:20.613 These resources supercharged how I approached each day. 00:16:20.613 --> 00:16:22.036 Sarah explained. 00:16:22.036 --> 00:16:30.665 Instead of just hoping I'd stay focused during important work, I had specific strategies to protect my thinking time. 00:16:30.665 --> 00:16:34.290 Your lighthouse brain's support system. 00:16:34.290 --> 00:16:40.000 Remember how your lighthouse brain needs different power states throughout the day. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:50.036 Just as a lighthouse needs systems to maintain its beam at full power, your brain needs support to maintain its high charge state. 00:16:50.036 --> 00:16:59.197 This is especially crucial when working on your ice sculptures those tasks that require your premium thinking power. 00:17:04.354 --> 00:17:11.366 Understanding your strengths Strengths are your natural abilities for maintaining focused states. 00:17:11.366 --> 00:17:15.992 Key ones include self-controlled you stay focused on priorities and avoid distractions. 00:17:15.992 --> 00:17:22.580 Persistent you motivate yourself to keep going when things get tough. 00:17:22.580 --> 00:17:28.933 Perspective you step back from the immediate to reflect and plan. 00:17:28.933 --> 00:17:34.169 Efficient you organise well and minimise wasted effort. 00:17:34.169 --> 00:17:39.099 Optimistic you stay positive when things don't go to plan. 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:40.506 Optimistic you stay positive when things don't go to plan. 00:17:40.506 --> 00:17:43.690 Learning about these strengths was enlightening, sarah shared. 00:17:43.690 --> 00:17:50.437 I realised I was naturally good at being persistent, but needed to work on being self-controlled. 00:17:50.437 --> 00:17:58.007 This helped me know exactly what to focus on Adding willpower boosters. 00:17:58.007 --> 00:18:06.060 While strengths are your internal capabilities, willpower boosters are specific actions that protect your brain states. 00:18:06.060 --> 00:18:13.179 Key boosters include phone management turn off your phone to minimise distractions. 00:18:13.179 --> 00:18:18.856 Internet management disconnect to reduce quick check temptations. 00:18:18.856 --> 00:18:23.817 Workspace plan create an environment with minimal distractions. 00:18:23.817 --> 00:18:31.913 Concentration booster Write down a focus plan before starting Strategic AI management. 00:18:32.906 --> 00:18:38.118 Sarah discovered that AI tools could either boost or drain her brain states. 00:18:38.118 --> 00:18:40.327 Ai tools could either boost or drain her brain states, just like my phone. 00:18:40.327 --> 00:18:44.714 I learned to manage AI tools strategically, she explained. 00:18:44.714 --> 00:18:56.701 During high-charge periods, I'd use them to enhance my thinking, having them analyze data while I focused on strategy. 00:18:56.701 --> 00:18:59.827 During medium-charge periods, they could handle routine tasks. 00:18:59.827 --> 00:19:04.697 Examples of how you could use AI during high-charge periods they could handle routine tasks. 00:19:04.697 --> 00:19:08.304 Examples of how you could use AI during high-charge periods to outsource brainpower. 00:19:08.304 --> 00:19:11.307 Use AI to support and augment complex thinking. 00:19:11.307 --> 00:19:15.298 Have AI handle background research while you experiment and innovate. 00:19:15.298 --> 00:19:21.249 Let AI explore alternatives while you focus on strategic decisions. 00:19:21.249 --> 00:19:31.180 Examples of how you could use AI during medium charge periods Let AI handle routine communications. 00:19:31.180 --> 00:19:35.661 Use AI for standard information processing. 00:19:35.661 --> 00:19:43.144 Use AI to automate repetitive tasks, completely enhancing your willpower story. 00:19:44.152 --> 00:19:51.557 Let me walk you through a sample day's schedule and how it aligns with your brain states, strengths and boosters. 00:19:51.557 --> 00:19:57.251 This will show you how to take your basic willpower story and add these elements. 00:19:57.251 --> 00:19:59.678 Remember, this is just an example. 00:19:59.678 --> 00:20:02.866 At 8am, focus on strategic work. 00:20:02.866 --> 00:20:04.994 This is a nice sculpture task. 00:20:04.994 --> 00:20:11.618 Your brain will be in high charge state and your key strength here is being self-controlled. 00:20:11.618 --> 00:20:18.125 To boost your performance, keep your phone turned off and find a quiet space to work. 00:20:18.125 --> 00:20:21.635 At 10am, have your team meeting. 00:20:21.635 --> 00:20:29.541 You'll still be in high charge state, which is perfect because your strength in this situation is leading others. 00:20:29.541 --> 00:20:35.082 Make sure you have your meeting plan ready to boost your effectiveness. 00:20:35.892 --> 00:20:38.421 At 1pm, handle routine tasks. 00:20:38.421 --> 00:20:43.682 This works well with your medium charge state, where your strength is being efficient. 00:20:43.682 --> 00:20:47.099 No special boosters needed during this period. 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:52.000 Finally, at 3pm, focus on creative work. 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:59.037 Your brain will be back in high charge state and your strength here is being persistent. 00:20:59.037 --> 00:21:09.504 To boost your performance, try turning off your internet connection if you don't require it to reduce distractions and help you maintain focus. 00:21:09.504 --> 00:21:22.759 Remember, this is just an example to help you understand how to start pulling all these elements together To make it easier to create a complete willpower story. 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:32.350 I have created a PDF template story. 00:21:32.350 --> 00:21:33.173 I have created a PDF template. 00:21:33.173 --> 00:21:35.500 Go to toughermindscouk forward slash, train your brain to download your copy. 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:35.760 Start simple. 00:21:35.760 --> 00:21:41.936 Begin by adding just one or two strengths and boosters to your most important high charge period. 00:21:41.936 --> 00:21:46.994 I started with just my morning planning time, sarah explained. 00:21:46.994 --> 00:21:53.692 Once that worked well, I gradually added support to other parts of my day. 00:21:53.692 --> 00:21:56.557 Common challenges using too many boosters. 00:21:56.557 --> 00:21:58.941 Start with just the essential ones. 00:21:58.941 --> 00:22:00.903 Sarah found this out. 00:22:00.903 --> 00:22:07.038 At first. 00:22:07.038 --> 00:22:07.984 I tried using every booster. 00:22:07.984 --> 00:22:08.548 It was overwhelming. 00:22:08.548 --> 00:22:11.154 Starting with just phone management made it much easier. 00:22:11.154 --> 00:22:13.099 Forgetting to use your strengths. 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:17.834 Make a note of which strengths help most during high charge work. 00:22:17.834 --> 00:22:20.600 Build on these natural capabilities. 00:22:20.600 --> 00:22:25.474 Your next steps Identify your key strengths. 00:22:25.474 --> 00:22:31.216 Which ones do you naturally use well, which could help with your high charge work? 00:22:31.216 --> 00:22:33.472 Choose your essential boosters. 00:22:33.472 --> 00:22:36.200 What most often interrupts your focus? 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:38.654 Which boosters would help most? 00:22:38.654 --> 00:22:41.497 Update tomorrow's willpower story. 00:22:41.497 --> 00:22:46.093 Add one to two strengths to your main high charge period. 00:22:46.093 --> 00:22:49.041 Include one key willpower booster. 00:22:49.041 --> 00:22:53.961 Remember start small with just one or two supports. 00:22:53.961 --> 00:23:06.084 The goal isn't to use every strength and willpower booster at once, but to gradually build a system that helps you maintain your best thinking states when they matter most. 00:23:06.650 --> 00:23:07.596 Chapter 22. 00:23:07.596 --> 00:23:10.731 Managing your biggest daily challenge. 00:23:10.731 --> 00:23:12.836 Success cycle location. 00:23:12.836 --> 00:23:14.239 Step three. 00:23:14.239 --> 00:23:17.786 Progress 75% complete. 00:23:18.929 --> 00:23:27.745 Sarah had been using her willpower story for two weeks, matching tasks to brain states and using strengths and willpower boosters. 00:23:27.745 --> 00:23:37.759 While I was making progress, she reflected there was still one persistent challenge in my daily routine that post-lunch energy crash. 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:45.163 That's when the day designer showed me how to use the swap to overcome my biggest daily challenge. 00:23:45.163 --> 00:23:51.283 Most people have one part of their day that consistently causes problems. 00:23:51.283 --> 00:23:55.100 For many, like Sarah, it's post-lunch. 00:23:55.100 --> 00:24:01.397 For others it might be early mornings, late afternoons or switching off in the evening. 00:24:01.397 --> 00:24:06.236 The swap helps you tackle this challenge systematically. 00:24:06.236 --> 00:24:09.101 What made swap so powerful? 00:24:09.101 --> 00:24:10.403 Sarah explained. 00:24:10.403 --> 00:24:12.346 The swap helps you tackle this challenge systematically. 00:24:12.346 --> 00:24:17.400 What made swap so powerful, sarah explained, was how it helped me turn the most challenging part of my day into a genuine recharge opportunity. 00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:21.779 Instead of fighting my energy dip, I learned to work with it. 00:24:23.210 --> 00:24:24.615 Understanding swap. 00:24:24.615 --> 00:24:30.382 Let me explain what swap spelt S-W-A-P means. 00:24:30.382 --> 00:24:32.657 It's an approach with three parts. 00:24:32.657 --> 00:24:37.441 The S-W stands for self-watch Notice what's happening. 00:24:37.441 --> 00:24:42.276 The A stands for aim Choose a specific goal. 00:24:42.276 --> 00:24:47.418 The P stands for plan Create clear steps to achieve your aim. 00:24:47.418 --> 00:24:54.864 Let's see how Sarah used this to transform her challenging post-lunch dip in energy levels. 00:24:56.350 --> 00:24:56.832 Step 1. 00:24:56.832 --> 00:25:02.480 Self-watch First, sarah observed exactly what happened after lunch. 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:05.378 She noticed four key things. 00:25:05.378 --> 00:25:07.433 She felt mentally foggy. 00:25:07.433 --> 00:25:10.081 She struggled to focus on work. 00:25:10.081 --> 00:25:12.113 She often made mistakes. 00:25:12.113 --> 00:25:14.518 She ended up scrolling on her phone. 00:25:14.518 --> 00:25:19.393 Just paying attention helped me see the pattern Sarah shared. 00:25:19.393 --> 00:25:27.404 I was trying to do high charge work when my brain was only capable of working on medium-charge tasks. 00:25:28.892 --> 00:25:29.394 Step 2. 00:25:29.394 --> 00:25:41.682 Aim Next, sarah set a clear, specific goal Complete my list of afternoon ice cube tasks effectively, despite the energy dip. 00:25:41.682 --> 00:25:50.901 Notice how this aim has three important qualities it's specific, focused on a clear list of afternoon work. 00:25:50.901 --> 00:25:53.115 It states a positive action. 00:25:53.115 --> 00:25:54.980 Complete a list of tasks. 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:59.862 It's measurable the tasks will either be completed or not. 00:26:01.529 --> 00:26:02.031 Step 3. 00:26:02.031 --> 00:26:12.125 Plan Finally, sarah created a simple plan to support her aim, which included strategic AI use. 00:26:12.125 --> 00:26:18.883 She chose to eat a light lunch to avoid feeling heavy and experiencing indigestion. 00:26:18.883 --> 00:26:22.799 She took a 15-minute walk to refresh her energy. 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:27.441 She prepared a clear list of afternoon Ice Cube tasks. 00:26:27.441 --> 00:26:33.094 She used AI to help her draft replies to urgent emails. 00:26:33.094 --> 00:26:38.985 She used self-control to turn off her phone to minimise distractions. 00:26:38.985 --> 00:26:47.863 Having a specific plan was very powerful, sarah explained, instead of just hoping I'd somehow push through. 00:26:47.863 --> 00:26:53.240 I had clear steps to follow Strategic AI management. 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:59.717 I realised AI could help manage the most challenging part of my day, sarah explained. 00:26:59.717 --> 00:27:11.095 Instead of forcing myself to do complex work when my energy dipped, I could use AI to help me write some draft emails I needed to reply to whilst I recovered. 00:27:13.340 --> 00:27:15.644 Adding a swap to your willpower story. 00:27:15.644 --> 00:27:26.557 Look at your willpower story and circle the most challenging part of your day, when it's most difficult to get into the brain state you need to be at your best. 00:27:26.557 --> 00:27:46.200 This might be a time of day when you struggle most with focus or often waste or feel least productive or worry and beat yourself up a lot, or you might have trouble transitioning from work to rest in the evening. 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:51.027 You might have trouble transitioning from work to rest in the evening. 00:27:51.027 --> 00:27:52.409 Now let's create your own swap. 00:27:52.409 --> 00:27:53.971 You can use Sarah's example for inspiration. 00:27:53.971 --> 00:27:59.278 First, self-watch what exactly happens during this challenging time. 00:27:59.278 --> 00:28:01.841 Second, set your aim. 00:28:01.841 --> 00:28:05.005 What specific outcome do you want instead? 00:28:05.005 --> 00:28:10.823 Third, create your plan. 00:28:10.823 --> 00:28:15.358 What two to three-part plan will you create to help you achieve the specific outcome you want? 00:28:16.421 --> 00:28:17.102 Start simple. 00:28:17.102 --> 00:28:19.978 Begin with just one small change. 00:28:19.978 --> 00:28:24.760 I started with just the lunchtime walk, sarah explained. 00:28:24.760 --> 00:28:28.259 Once that became natural, I added the other elements. 00:28:28.259 --> 00:28:30.835 Small steps made it sustainable. 00:28:30.835 --> 00:28:34.143 Common challenges to watch for. 00:28:35.529 --> 00:28:38.717 Challenge one Trying to fight your pattern. 00:28:38.717 --> 00:28:43.633 Don't try to schedule ice sculptures during the most challenging part of your day. 00:28:43.633 --> 00:28:47.279 Work with your brain's natural rhythms instead. 00:28:47.279 --> 00:28:51.514 Challenge two making the plan too complex. 00:28:51.514 --> 00:28:54.620 Keep your swap steps simple and specific. 00:28:54.620 --> 00:28:56.644 Sarah found this crucial. 00:28:56.644 --> 00:29:01.014 The simpler my plan, the more likely I was to follow it. 00:29:02.696 --> 00:29:03.596 Your next steps? 00:29:03.596 --> 00:29:08.804 Let's break this down into three simple actions to take. 00:29:08.804 --> 00:29:13.093 Action one Identify your daily challenge. 00:29:13.093 --> 00:29:15.478 Circle it on your willpower story. 00:29:15.478 --> 00:29:18.064 Notice exactly what happens. 00:29:18.064 --> 00:29:21.024 Be specific about the time frame. 00:29:21.024 --> 00:29:24.791 Action two Create your simple swap Self-watch the pattern. 00:29:24.791 --> 00:29:26.317 Create your simple swap, self-watch the pattern. 00:29:26.317 --> 00:29:28.378 Set one clear aim. 00:29:28.378 --> 00:29:30.859 Make a two to three step plan. 00:29:30.859 --> 00:29:33.950 Action three Try it tomorrow. 00:29:33.950 --> 00:29:36.519 Focus on just one small change. 00:29:36.519 --> 00:29:37.916 Notice what works. 00:29:37.916 --> 00:29:39.690 Adjust as needed. 00:29:40.613 --> 00:29:44.789 The complete willpower story has three elements working together. 00:29:44.789 --> 00:29:50.783 First, your basic timeline matching tasks to brain states. 00:29:50.783 --> 00:29:56.142 Second, your strengths and willpower boosters for support. 00:29:56.142 --> 00:29:59.671 Third, your swap for your biggest challenge. 00:29:59.671 --> 00:30:06.643 As Sarah discovered, this combination takes how you think about managing your day to new levels. 00:30:07.850 --> 00:30:19.501 Once I had all three parts working together matching tasks to energy, using the right support tools and managing the most challenging parts of my day, everything became easier. 00:30:19.501 --> 00:30:23.613 I wasn't fighting my brain anymore, I was working with it. 00:30:23.613 --> 00:30:34.541 But even with these tools mastered, sarah faced one final challenge Making this new approach automatic rather than effortful. 00:30:34.541 --> 00:30:39.741 That's where step four of the success cycle pulls everything together. 00:30:39.741 --> 00:30:41.592 Congratulations. 00:30:41.592 --> 00:30:46.903 You've now completed step three of the success cycle. 00:30:46.903 --> 00:31:04.263 Before we move on, and if you think it's helpful, take a moment to think about people you admire for their ability to structure their day and manage their energy, whether it's a colleague, a mentor or even a high-performing athlete. 00:31:04.263 --> 00:31:07.576 What makes their approach so effective? 00:31:07.576 --> 00:31:17.597 This might help you to improve your relationship with your own day designer, and you might even name it after one of those people you admire. 00:31:17.597 --> 00:31:30.009 Next, we'll move on to step four, where you'll discover how to use behavioral science to make completing your daily willpower story automatic.