Some Science of Productivity: How to Get More Done With Less Burnout

by Colt Bullock | My Career Path Podcast

Hey friend,

Ever had one of those days where your to-do list is silently judging you?

You know you need to work, but somehow you’ve spent 45 minutes cleaning your inbox or researching how Cars fits into the Pixar Theory? Cause I have been there…

Let’s talk about why this happens—and how to fix it using some science.

⚡ Why Willpower Isn’t the Answer

We’ve been sold the myth that being productive just means trying harder.

But studies show that willpower is like your phone battery: it drains with each decision you make.

The famous radish vs. cookie experiment proved that self-control is a limited resource. They were gathered into a room that smelled like freshly baked cookies. Half of the people were actually able to have a cookie, while the other half had to choose a radish.

Then the real test started. Everyone was given an impossible puzzle. The folks who already had to burn their willpower choosing a radish, gave up much quicker.

Moral of the story? The more energy you spend resisting distractions, the less you have left for real work. We have a limited amount of willpower/motivation every day. The more we have to choose, the harder the choices will be later.

🧠 Trick Your Brain Into Action

There’s a psychological principle called the Zeigarnik Effect—our brain hates unfinished tasks. That’s why the hardest part of any project is just starting.

Even doing one minute of work can flip a mental switch. Write a sentence. Open the essay. Wash one dish. The action builds momentum. Your motivation catches up after you begin.

🧰 Your Productivity Toolkit

Here’s the TL;DR:

Don’t wait for motivation. Start with action.
Break your to-dos into micro-tasks.
Focus in 90-minute sprints.
Track your progress (make it visible!).
Eliminate distractions physically.
Protect your energy like it’s your job—because it is.

🌀 The Cycle That Works

Productivity isn’t about grinding—it’s about cycling.
Motivation → Action → Reward → Motivation.

Once you start that loop, the rest follows.

Hit reply and let me know: What’s your biggest productivity struggle? I’d love to hear it.

Stay sharp,
– Colt

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube

My Career Path Podcast