Vanessa explains the expression “make yourself do something,” meaning to push or force yourself to do an action that feels difficult or does not come naturally. She first connects it to finding time to study English: if a learner has a busy schedule, they may need to make themselves find time for practice. The expression can describe self-discipline without implying that the action is literally forced by another person. “Push yourself” and “force yourself” are close alternatives, though “push yourself” often sounds more encouraging and less coercive.
The grammar also works when one person causes another person to act. Vanessa gives examples with a teacher who used to make her do homework and a boss who makes employees work until seven. In this structure, make is followed by a person and the base form of a verb: make someone do something, not make someone to do something. The examples show both repeated past situations and a present expectation.
Vanessa then applies the phrase to a personal routine. For the last couple of years, she has been going to bed after midnight and has not felt very good when she wakes up. Lately, she has been trying to make herself wake up earlier and go to bed earlier. She explains the benefit: when she goes to bed before midnight, she feels better, feels more rested, and feels ready to take on the day. “For the last couple of years” gives the duration of a continuing pattern; “lately” introduces a recent change or effort.
The central practice task is to name one useful or difficult action you need to make yourself do. A learner might choose to practise speaking, prepare for class, or go to bed earlier, then explain why it is challenging. The closing website and ebook mentions are promotional rather than part of the expression lesson. The key language is the causative pattern, its reflexive use with yourself, and the difference between motivating yourself and making another person do something.