How To Finally Understand Motivation and Make It Work
There’s something special about the blank page. Pure possibility. And even more important: it’s what’s behind the page.
That’s the promise you made to fill it.
Whether your blank page is a computer terminal, a squat rack, or a sales call, it’s just as big of a promise.
The only trouble is that it’s never like it is in the movies.
It’s unsexy. There’s no montage. There’s no theme music. There’s no audience cheering you on.
It’s just you and your commitment.
It’s just the raw reality of what it takes. You have to stir up the motivation in yourself. You have to remind yourself why you’re doing it—because no one else is going to do it for you. It’s up to you to evaluate and crush your own excuses.
Every day.
Even though you don’t get any credit, today. Even though you don’t get any recognition, today. Even though you don’t get any return on investment, today. That’s the way the path goes.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Every day. No matter what.
2 Minute Action
What are you avoiding?I’ve said this before and that’s kind of the point. It’s not always going to be a new, shiny task or action item that shows up at your desk. Most of the time, it’s going to be the same, dull, boring task you don’t want to do. So, start with that. De-sensitize yourself to the dullness. Your compounding interest depends on it.
What To Focus On When You're Stuck
You know the feeling.It's hard to come up with ideas. You're waiting for something to happen. You stick to something you've done in the past even though it's not working now.I don't need to dive into it.One good way to get unstuck is to consider the work you're afraid of.Making the phone call? Putting the money down? Putting yourself out there?What's something you're avoiding?You guessed it.Start with that.Focus on where the fear is.It's your compass.Addressing small fears and avoidances is a powerful way to start trusting your own ability to handle challenges.Face these small fears every day and you'll start training the muscle required to tackle the big stuff.Don't try to bench press 500 lbs. on your first day.
2 Minute Action
Most of the time, it takes 2 minutes or less to take action.Here are three examples:
- Look up the phone number of someone you're trying to reach and just freaking call them.
- Stop by the office yourself instead of sending another email.
- Provide your honest opinion (without hedging or backing down before you finish stating it).