Motivation – The Basics
What is Motivation?
According to scientists, motivation is just a willingness to do something, a desire. This is correct, but let’s get more in-depth. Motivation is a crucial element in obtaining your goals. Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art” states, “At some point, the pain of not doing it becomes greater than the pain of doing it.”
So basically, the pain of going to work will become less of a pain than just sitting around with a stagnant bank account. In the long run, it will be worth it. This is similar to how you feel after watching TV instead of going for your workout- have you noticed that you actually feel really good and super motivated after you workout? Studies show that you may even feel more motivated to exercise after engaging in exercise. This means that motivation doesn’t lead to action, action leads to motivation. Not just any action, but long-term, committed and valued action.
Even the laws of physics can relate to motivation in an effect called “Physics of Productivity”. This effect relates to Newton’s First Law- objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Once your task has been started it is easier to continue moving forward. For an in-depth explanation, see “Physics of Productivity”.
How Do I Increase Motivation?
The first step in increasing motivation is to be aware of your perceptions. For example, if you perceive the task or event as boring, exhausting or scary then you are more likely to procrastinate. You must create positivity and be truthful; cleaning the house isn’t that bad when you think about how good it will feel when it is finished. Think about the smell of the cleaning supplies and the sound of the vacuum, is it really so bad if you end up with a clean house?
3 Motivational Quotes from Experts
“Reach for the sky!”- Woody
“I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready!” -Spongebob Squarepants
“Just keep swimming!” – Dory
