Self-help Tips From Historical Figures

Ever get creative roadblocks that seem insurmountable? Let’s step back and see how some of history’s great minds tackled their own blocks with unusual methods. Igor Stravinsky, the legendary composer, had a quirky fix for his creativity standstills—standing on his head. While it sounds odd, changing your perspective can help shift thinking patterns, breaking free from traditional mental constraints.

Thinking outside the box often starts with unconventional routines. Take Benjamin Franklin, for instance. Instead of jumping straight into the hustle and bustle of the day, he liked to embrace his mornings in an avant-garde fashion. Reading and writing while au naturel with the windows open sounds wild, but it was his way of literally and figuratively clearing his mind. Pair that with his habit of asking himself those meticulous morning and night questions, and you’ve got a robust plan for inspiration.

Then there’s William Herschel, who demonstrated some massive dedication—or obsession, if you will—to his craft. He’d be tweaking telescope mirrors for up to 14 hours at a time, skipping meals in the process. Pitching yourself into your work for extended periods, just like Herschel, might not be for everyone, but it underscores the importance of focus in creativity. Sometimes it’s about allowing yourself to get lost in the depths of creation to find your way back to ingenuity.

Living by a Life Philosophy: Strategies to Stay Motivated and Goal-Oriented

Having a life philosophy isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s a tool for guidance, especially during times when motivation feels elusive. Benjamin Franklin knew this too well. Each day he faithfully asked himself, “What good shall I do today?” and wrapped up his day pondering “What good have I done today?” His daily bookends are an invitation for all of us to reflect and course-correct, ensuring productivity has a purpose.

Eleanor Roosevelt had a no-nonsense approach that resonated with facing challenges head-on: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” It’s about grabbing fear by the horns and seeing it not as a barrier but as a challenge to overcome. By taking on tasks that seem impossible, you gradually expand your capabilities and define your own limits.

James Lackington took a more extreme approach to staying motivated in his pursuit of knowledge. By limiting sleep to just three hours, he maximized his study time. While most of us can’t survive on such little sleep, it’s a reminder of the lengths one can go when committed to a goal. The real takeaway? It’s about finding the right balance in maximizing time for learning and self-improvement that fits your personal lifestyle.

Techniques of Focus: Staying Centered through Unconventional Methods

When it comes to keeping focus, sometimes the methods can be as inventive as the outcomes. Bill Gates, for one, is known to rock back and forth in his chair to zone in on tasks. While it might seem peculiar, rhythmic motion can have a meditative effect, helping to center thoughts and enhance concentration.

Then you’ve got Thomas Platter, who kept himself awake using peculiar methods like holding cold water, raw turnips, or even sand in his mouth. Weird as it may sound, these tactile and sensory stimuli were his way of shaking off drowsiness and keeping his mind alert. If you’re struggling with staying awake, consider bringing some unexpected stimuli into your routine to keep you sharp.

Lastly, Herschel’s epic stints at his telescope mirror taught lessons in raw endurance and dedication. You don’t need to pull 14-hour shifts, but there’s something to be said about immersing yourself in work. Developing focus can sometimes require blocking out noise and dialing into what needs doing, finding that flow where time almost seems to pause.