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.
The Unintuitive Way A Brick Wall Can Show The Future
Lots of people can have a difficult conversation.Lots of people can go for a 4 mile run.Lots of people can overcome a fear.That’s all great.Those experiences tell us what we’re capable of.But what happens next is truly important.
What happens next is how consistently we do these things.
When we conquer new fears everyday, we build a powerful confidence that lets us approach what was once unapproachable.When we run everyday, running becomes easy and we are on to the next challenge.When we are consistently assertive and kind, we develop a reputation of respect and dependability that helps us with later endeavors.
Our daily actions are investments in our future.
Every second counts and every decision matters.My old high-school track coach used to say:“Every practice is like one brick and at the end of the season, you’ll have a brick wall. If you miss one practice, it probably won’t make a difference, but if you make a habit of it, the whole wall will be full of gaps.”
Every day is a brick.
Either you show up and make it happen, or you leave the gap.
2 Minute Action
It takes 2 minutes to visualize your day.Walk through how it will go and rehearse your actions.Prepare for battle!This is your time to suit up and commit to a day of purpose.Pick one brick to lay and make it happen.
A Simple Trick To Creating A New Habit
It has to be everyday.It has to be small enough to achieve.It has to be aligned with your mission.Okay, stop. You’ve heard all of this, yet everyone thinks THEY are the exception.The weird thing is that, sure, these principles are subject to change—but only after you start having success.You need small wins to build the confidence and momentum to crush bigger and bigger goals.Drip. Drip. Drip.
2 Minute Action:
What daily habits do you have?Can you attach a two minute habit to one of these?Anchoring a habit on another can be powerful.The only caveat is that it needs to be actionable and small.You’re rarely going to feel like doing it. That’s the point.