Tackling Ego Depletion with a Little Bit of Humor and a Lot of Self-Care

Bilal Zaiter
52 Diary
Published in
4 min readFeb 13, 2023

Making the journey of self-development a little more fun and a little easier to understand

Listen up folks, it’s time to go on a trip back in time to the era of giant reptiles! As a paleontologist, I’ve uncovered some secrets about resilience and persistence that can come in handy for our self-development journey. Let me tell you, change is harder than trying to outrun a T-Rex on a bad day. We all have dreams of becoming superhuman versions of ourselves — stronger, healthier, more creative, and with skills that would make a velociraptor green with envy. But, let’s face it, even if we have the best of intentions and start off like a pack of stampeding dinosaurs, it’s tough to keep up with the new habits. It’s more likely that next year, we’ll be back to our old ways, than performing a new habit with ease. So, what’s the deal? And can we do anything to make this change journey a bit more manageable? That’s where ego depletion comes in, and I’ve got some tips that’ll make you feel like a T-Rex who’s got everything under control!.

Ah, ego depletion! The concept that our willpower is like a T-Rex’s energy levels — powerful but prone to exhaustion. But unlike a T-Rex, we can refuel our willpower with a good dose of self-care and R&R. Think of it as a T-Rex taking a spa day instead of going on a hunt. It’s all about finding practical and actionable ways to recharge and restore your willpower, so you can tackle life’s challenges with a full tank of decision-making and self-control.

Recognize Your Limits: Just like a T-Rex can only roar so much before taking a nap, you too have limits to your willpower. Know when you’re feeling depleted and make a conscious effort to recharge, otherwise you might find yourself passed out on the couch like a T-Rex after a long day of hunting.

Fuel Your Willpower: Just as a T-Rex needs to refuel its energy with a juicy dinosaur steak, you need to refuel your willpower with some good old-fashioned self-care. This can be as simple as taking a break, getting a good night’s sleep, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. So go ahead, treat yourself to a mental massage, and feel your willpower soar like a Pterodactyl!

Make It Easy: Just as a T-Rex can make hunting a breeze by using its big, sharp claws, you can make change easier by using tools and systems that support your goals. This can include creating a routine, enlisting the help of a friend, or using a habit tracker app. In short, give yourself a hand, literally and figuratively!

Focus on One Thing at a Time: Just as a T-Rex knows not to bite off more than it can chew (unless it’s a giant prehistoric plant, that is), you too need to focus on one goal or habit at a time. Trying to tackle too many changes at once can quickly deplete your willpower, so take it slow, like a T-Rex chasing a tortoise. No need to rush, just make it a marathon, not a sprint.

And that’s a wrap folks! Now, don’t go thinking you’ve suddenly become a self-development master just because you read this one article. It’s not that easy, folks. No one’s going to turn you into a T-Rex overnight. But, hey, it’s a start! Keep reading interesting articles and expanding your knowledge, and before you know it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. And if you’re looking for some extra motivation, why not check out this article on habits while you’re at it? Just think of it as a little extra push from me, your friendly neighborhood paleontologist-slash-self-development-guru.

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52 Diary
52 Diary

Published in 52 Diary

52 helps people enjoy a better life by knowing themselves and taking control over their lives and letting go of goes beyond their control. It is that simple and it is based on huge littreture in psychotherapy, change management, time management and diary keeping.

Bilal Zaiter
Bilal Zaiter

Written by Bilal Zaiter

Linguist, Researcher, Life-Transition Coach

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