GET STUFF DONE

Based on “The Mindset Mentor” podcast with Rob Dial

Let’s face it: most of us would rather scroll Instagram, reorganise the shed, or stare blankly at the ceiling than tackle that thing we know we should be doing. But what if the problem isn’t laziness? What if it’s fear wearing a cosy dressing gown of procrastination?

In this episode of The Mindset Mentor, Rob Dial breaks down how he rewired his own mind to stop resisting effort and actually enjoy doing hard things…and how you can too.

We have summarised it here on Get Stuff Done but have also included a link to the full podcast on YouTube at the bottom of the article.

Step 1: Get Curious About Resistance

Rob starts with a game-changing idea: resistance isn’t laziness, it’s fear in disguise.

Your brain’s number one job is to keep you safe, not successful. It sees stepping outside your comfort zone as risky, even when it’s totally harmless (like making a cold call or launching a business). That fear triggers your brain’s alarm bell and suddenly watching videos on TikToc feels like a much safer use of time.

The trick? Stop judging yourself. Instead, ask:

• What am I really afraid of?
• What’s the worst that could happen?
• Is this fear realistic or just a bit dramatic?

Once you name the fear, it loses power. As Rob says, “It’s like turning the light on in a dark room. The monster’s still there, but now you can see it’s just your dressing gown.”

Step 2: Shift Your Identity

Real change doesn’t start with action — it starts with identity.

You can force yourself to do something hard for a while, but unless you see yourself as someone who does hard things, it won’t stick. Rob changed his self-talk from “I hope I don’t miss” to “It’s going in.” That tiny switch boosted his confidence, whether he was on a basketball court or building his business.

Start affirming the identity you want:

• “I’m someone who shows up.”
• “I do hard things.”
• “I’m mentally strong.”

And then, crucially act in line with that belief, even if it’s in small ways like taking the stairs, doing two extra reps, or having that awkward-but-necessary conversation.

Step 3: Link Challenge with Pleasure

Here’s the clever bit: you can train your brain to enjoy hard things.

Dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical, isn’t just released when you achieve something, it also spikes in anticipation. So Rob started celebrating effort, not results.

He’d hype himself up like a coach in his own head. “This is what growth feels like,” he’d tell himself mid-workout. “I’m proud of you for showing up.” Over time, his brain linked challenge with pleasure, not pain.

Try it:

• Celebrate starting the task, not finishing it.
• Praise yourself mid-effort.
• Think: this challenge is a gift, not a punishment.

Step 4: Reframe Pain as Progress

Rob used to believe that if something felt difficult, it meant he was doing it wrong. Now, he sees pain as the price of growth and honestly, it’s a bargain.

Yes, starting a business or changing your habits is hard. But you know what’s harder? Spending your life stuck in a job you don’t like, watching the years tick by, knowing you never gave yourself a shot.

You don’t get to avoid pain, but you do get to choose the kind of pain. Choose the type that leads somewhere better.

The Big Shift: From Protection to Expansion

The biggest change Rob made wasn’t a hack. It was a mindset shift:

• From safety to growth
• From resistance to curiosity
• From “I can’t do this” to “Who will I become if I do?”

Doing hard things didn’t get easier, he just stopped running from them. Now he runs towards them, because he loves the version of himself on the other side.

Takeaway

Want to feel proud of yourself more often? Start showing up for the hard stuff.
Train your brain. Rewire your identity. Celebrate effort. And choose the kind of pain that pays off.

You’ll be amazed by who you become.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial wherever you get your podcasts.