The Goldilocks Rule: How to Stay Motivated in Life and Work
Chapter-level explanation in simple terms
🎯 Core Thesis
To stay motivated, work on tasks that are challenging enough to be interesting but not so hard that they become discouraging, following the 'Goldilocks Rule'.
💡 Think of it Like...
"Think of playing a video game. If it's too easy, you get bored and quit. If it's too hard, you get frustrated and quit. But if it's just the right level of difficulty, you're hooked and want to keep playing."
👶 Explain Like I'm 12
Imagine you're learning to ride a bike. If you start on a super steep hill, you'll probably fall and get scared. If you start on perfectly flat ground with training wheels forever, you'll never really learn. But if you start on a gentle slope, just hard enough to challenge you but easy enough to stay balanced, you'll learn quickly and have fun! The Goldilocks Rule means finding that 'just right' level of challenge to keep you going.
⭐ Why It Matters
This is useful because it helps you stick to your goals. Whether it's learning a new skill, exercising, or working on a project, finding the right level of difficulty makes the process enjoyable and prevents you from giving up due to boredom or frustration.