23% of the world’s energy consumption is the result of friction.Â
Have you ever tried to push a chair across a smooth surface only to find it challenging to get it moving? If you throw some tennis balls on the chair’s legs, you’ll find the chair slides like butter. That's because of the force of friction, which opposes the object's motion. Much like friction, the mind is a powerful force that keeps us from achieving our goals.Â
How to Reduce Friction
Let’s shift to the tactical: What if we could lower the coefficient of friction in our minds, like how cartilage allows our joints to move smoothly?Â
Exercise
Working out forces us to focus on the task at hand and let go of any distractions. It also increases blood flow to the brain, improving post-workout focus and sleep quality. Â
Writing
By putting thoughts on paper, we see them clearly and find ways to overcome mental roadblocks.
Talking to friendsÂ
Two people can push a heavy object together with less effort
Intellectual sparring partners can challenge and help us find new perspectives. I actively enjoy being wrong in these conversations. This accelerates my learning and, ultimately, growth. Â
A Personal Story
It feels great to be back in the writing flow-state. I haven’t published in a while because of my experience with mental friction. I questioned whether my writing was providing value and if it was weird to share my thoughts publicly. At the end of the day, these thoughts were holding me back. Conversations with friends helped me realize that nobody cares at the end of the day. If these words help one person, I’m okay with that.
Things that Increase Mental Friction:
These are like a Krabby Patty straight to the mind’s thighs
Browsing Social Media
While TikTok has excellent memes, and Instagram is great for connecting with friends, seeing someone’s highlight-reel can leave you feeling inadequate.
In moderation, social media is an incredible tool!
Watching T.V.
Have you ever turned on a show to get your mind off something, only to be 20 minutes in with no recollection of what happened?Â
Eating Junk
In the clinic I work at, towards the end of the day when stress is high, people start eating candy like crazy. In between patients, all you hear is candy wrappers unfurling.
I’ve tried the cookie dough ice cream remedy, but tasty foods provide temporary bliss. Once the sugar-rush wears off you’re back to baseline.
Conclusion
Consider how your mind is opposing your motion. We can adapt to any situation but must set ourselves up for success.
Friction slows us down
Intellectual sparring partners and writing can expedite growth
Baby Keem is a pop singer, not a rapper