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Power versus Force
Forcing yourself to work is like swimming against the current. You'll need a lot of force to get to your destination.
Getting yourself motivated to do the work is like swimming with the current. You'll make use of power that will energize and support you. You'll get to your destination in a completely different mood and perspective.
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You can produce motivation at your own command if you understand how it works.
Motivation is not random. Like every other effect, it's caused by something. When you grasp this, you no longer have to force yourself to do the work, but you can use the power of motivation to your advantage.
The most likely reason you feel unmotivated is that you are in a lousy state of mind. It can be caused by various things, like:
- Feeling stressed
- Sleeping in
- Excessive drinking
- Hanging out with unmotivated and unambitious people
- The lack of clear goals & priorities
- Watching a lot of TV or Netflix or scrolling through social media
- Eating bad foods that create energy crashes or a heavy feeling
- Procrastinating
As an antidote, apply a few state change 'hacks' to turn your state of mind.
Integrate peak-state habits in your daily life. Most peak-state habits involve the use of your body: Change the way you move, and you'll change the way you feel.
Do things like breathing exercises, take a cold shower, meditate, listen to an inspiring podcast or watch a motivational video. Focus on the pleasure of the work or review your goals. It will put you in a more energetic and motivated mindset.
For the moments in which you don't feel motivated, try to change your state as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll become.
Successfully changing your state at will, again and again, is what will help you perform at the highest level.
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The 3 elements required for intrinsic motivation:
- Autonomy: it's about choice - when you believe you have a choice, you're more motivated.
- Mastery: it's about wanting to get better at something that matters.
- Purpose: it comes from believing you're working on something that's bigger than yourself.
Develop a Routine. Create a series of events that you always perform before doing a specific task.
- Step 1: Start by doing something so easy that you can't say no to it. Your pre–game routine tells your mind, “This is what happens before I do ___.
”For example, In my writing routine I start by getting a glass of water. So easy, I can’t say no. - Step 2: Your routine should get you moving physically towards the end goal. Your mind and your motivation will follow your physical movement.
- Step 3: Follow the same pattern every single time.
Motivation is not a switch. Motivation is a flow.
If you can create a self sustaining motivation engine, you’ll not only be able to find more meaning and purpose in your life, but you’ll be able to enjoy every minute of what you’re doing, which will make your roles and responsibilities less of a chore.