What popular literature got wrong about motivation
- OK. Sounds like we have our plan for the week. What do you think might get in the way of following through with the actions we agreed on?
- Myself. Not doing it. Losing motivation when things get challenging or uncomfortable.
I pulled out one of my favorite coaching questions from my Precision Nutrition days:
- It sounds like you already know what the key issues are. Knowing this, if you were your own coach what would you recommend?
She paused.
- You know, when I needed to get my income up because there was no one else to rely on, and I had to make sure we had rent, food, and the kids were taken care of… I cried in the toilet sometimes. But I still did it. I never stopped. And it worked.
- It seems like pain back then motivated you quite a lot.
- Yes. But now I don’t have that urgent pain. How do I motivate myself to reach higher? Not just run from pain but to make my dreams real? For the better future for my kids, myself?
I nodded. Yeah. Comfort kills more dreams than challenges ever do.
- Now that we know what’s stopping you, if you were your own coach, how would you fuel your motivation so it lasts this time? You know yourself better than anyone.
She thought for a moment.
- Good question. I think I need reminders. Why it matters. My dreams. The future I want for myself and my kids. And a reminder of what I’ve already accomplished, that I have it in me if I stick with it. Maybe pictures from that vacation I managed to afford through hustling. Yeah, that would help. Let’s try that.
Two lessons here:
1. Pain is powerful but temporary.
Motivation psychology shows we’ll work harder (~2.5 more so) to escape discomfort than to reach a reward. Pain drives action, but it stops once the pain is relieved. And it can't be maintained long-term. That’s why urgency can light a fire, but it doesn’t fuel the long climb.
2. Motivation fades unless you feed it daily.
Motivation is like showering, or brushing your teeth. It doesn’t last, but if you keep up the practice, you stay fresh. The most disciplined people don’t have unlimited willpower or motivation, or discipline. They simply build systems, reminders of their dreams, habits that pull them back, people who hold them accountable. They keep it alive!
Motivation isn’t an event. It’s a daily practice. Just like fitness - you don’t get strong once, you keep working out to stay strong for life.
Over to you, dear reader,
How can you keep your own motivation alive daily not just when life hurts but when you have a bright future to build?
And how can you help your people do the same with some daily rituals?
