Want more energy, willpower, creativity? Try “walking the dog”

I just got back from walking the dog around the neighborhood.

It’s a beautiful spring morning outside. The streets are mostly empty because there is a 3-day lockdown in place. But a few other dog walkers were out in the jungle that makes up the heart of this city, enjoying the sun and the dew and the quiet.

The dog and I came across an empanadas place that was open, in defiance of the lockdown orders. We each had an empanada — him a chicken, me a cheese. I also got a coffee (none for him). We then came back to the apartment. I’m now ready to sit down and work.

If you love dogs like I do, you might want to know more about mine. In that case, I have to tell you he is entirely made up. I don’t have a dog and I probably never will. Even so, I tell myself each day to “go and take the dog for a walk” at least once.

I do it because I’ve found going for a walk each day is important. Otherwise I become a useless sponge at home.

But if I just tell myself, “Go outside, you lazy louse,” I will often find an excuse to not do so. It’s cold, I’m tired, I don’t feel like it, it’s better for me right where I am.

Maybe you’re wondering how this might be relevant to you. So let me explain.

Different parts of the human brain are involved when we make decisions that involve ourselves and decisions that don’t.

If you need proof, then look up cases of people like Phineas Gage. Gage got a large iron rod shot through his head and lived.

People like Gage can suffer brain damage that makes it impossible for them to make sound personal decisions. And yet, when facing an impersonal problem, they can still reason and decide effectively.

And vice versa. There are people — perhaps you know some of them in real life — who are very skilled at navigating social situations and profiting as a result. But when presented with an abstract or impersonal problem, these people suddenly turn dull or even stupid.

I believe my “walking the dog” strategy takes advantage of this quirk of the human brain. I might not want to go for a walk, even though it’s good for me. But the dog? He needs to go, or he’s going to whine and pee all over the place. So I put my shoes on and we go out together so he can do his business.

You don’t have to go all crazy like I do. But you too can use a trick like this.

If there is something you know you want to do, but cannot force yourself into… then reframe it as an impersonal problem.

Imagine you’re making the decision for someone else. Or convince yourself you’re being controlled by an outside force. Or do it for the human race… for your family… or just for your pet — even if you have to make him up.

Figure out something that works for you. Because you might find you have reserves of energy, willpower, and creativity you never could access before. And you might even meet some cool people at the dog park, while you’re sitting alone and yelling at the air that it’s time to go home.

Woof.

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