Do you have any bizarre rituals for psyching yourself up for doing something? For getting to that “flow state?” Motivational speaker Tony Robbins take an ice bath plunge every morning, which sounds sadistic, but who am I to judge?
I’ve been hooked on podcasts and have lately discovered that I can listen to different types of podcasts to get me ready for certain activities. I know, so nerdy and unsexy, right? But, especially with writing or getting real capital T thinking done, it’s been way better than waiting for the creative muse to come around.
Here’s what I’ve found works for me. I choose a podcast based on what I have to do next, and it helps me get into the right frame of mind. And, seriously, it would be terrific if some of you could comment/email about similar rituals so I don’t feel so weird!
When I Need to Write
Mike Birbiglia
Cal Fussman
When I Need Smart Vocabulary
Kevin Kelly
When I Need to Workout
These guys are fantastic storytellers. You can get lost in their narratives as the miles slip by.
Cal Fussman
Esther Perel
Mike Rowe
Jamie Foxx
Caroline Paul
When I Need a Pick-Me-Up
When I Need Motivation
Caroline Paul
Chris Sacca
When I Need Inspiration
Debbie Millman
When I Need to Sleep
Fiction, never business!
Headspace