Overcoming Limbic Friction.
We’ve all got projects & goals we want to see realised.
But making consistent progress feels harder than it should.Â
That’s because your Limbic System (i.e. your ‘lower brain’) doesn’t want what you want (as its function is to keep you safe and comfortable).
This phenomenon is known as Limbic Friction:
The internal resistance you feel when starting or maintaining a new habit/goal/project.
It’s the tension between what you want to do (take action, create progress) and what your lower Limbic brain wants to do (seek comfort, avoid effort).
Goals, purpose, values, motivation & drive are all associated your ‘higher brain’ - that is, your Prefrontal Cortex.
When you’re tired or stressed, this more sophisticated neural system becomes fatigued (or shuts down)…
And Limbic Friction is at its highest, making it harder to take action or stay on track.
(This is typically when people turn to social media to procrastinate).
But here’s the good news: there’s a way to beat it.
The best time to tackle new habits or important work is in the morning.Â
Early in the day, your brain’s hormone-induced alertness is highest, which means Limbic Friction is at its lowest.Â
This makes mornings the best time to focus on your most important task/priorities and forming new habits.
Tips for Overcoming Limbic Friction:
Start small: Break your tasks into small steps to reduce mental resistance.
Set a morning ritual: Align your tasks and new habits with the times your brain is most focused and powerful.
Consistency is key: The more you practise your habits during low-friction times, the more ingrained and easier they become.
Understanding limbic friction has been transformative for me.
Now I align all of my deep work (creative/strategic/high-priority tasks) with the periods I know I’m most motivated/alert/prolific.
(My sacred hours are between 5am-12pm).
In contrast I get out of the office in the afternoon when my energy/intellect is at it’s lowest:
Instead of ‘grinding it out’ during these periods, I schedule exercise, painting, time in nature and hanging out with my girls - as these activities restore my energy/soul.
Sustainable high-performance requires becoming aware of WHEN your energy/drive is highest and aligning your deep work with these windows.
Meditate on this principle and how it pertains to your daily rhythms, today.
Go well.
David.
Elite Habits.