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Jeff Haden

The motivation myth

Motivation is not just about getting fired up to achieve a goal. It is an ongoing cycle that is fueled by small successes along the way. When you take action and accomplish small wins regularly, you generate positive feedback that increases your motivation to keep succeeding. This creates a self-energizing loop where each new achievement builds your drive to accomplish more. Success is a repeatable process that depends less on one-time bursts of motivation and more on consistently doing the right things the right way. With diligence and some strategy, you can make success predictable and inevitable through this motivation cycle. You don't think about success too much upfront - you focus on the next small step and let momentum build from there. The key is to maintain the cycle by continuing to set and meet achievable goals. Each one reinforces the motivation to reach for the next.

The motivation myth
The motivation myth

book.chapter Motivation follows action, not inspiration

Motivation is often misunderstood as something that can be ignited by an external source, such as an inspiring speech by a renowned motivational speaker like Tony Robbins. However, the truth is that motivation is an internal process that is most effectively triggered by taking action towards a goal. Once you start moving, you begin to experience a series of self-reinforcing benefits. Achieving small milestones gives you a sense of accomplishment, boosting your self-confidence. This progress leads to increased competence, which in turn motivates further action. The experience gained allows for smarter work in future endeavors. Additionally, the effort put into achieving these goals, whether physical or mental, releases endorphins, creating a satisfying rush that is both addictive and motivating. This cycle of action leading to motivation suggests that motivation grows through a positive feedback loop initiated by taking the first step. By accumulating small victories and building upon them, motivation and confidence spiral upwards, enabling the tackling of greater challenges. It's important to debunk several myths about motivation that can hinder progress. Success doesn't come from shortcuts or hidden tricks; it requires hard work, persistence, and effective habits. Routine is essential for achievement, not a sign of mediocrity. Sharing goals often does more harm than good, as true motivation stems from personal progress. Willpower, like any skill, improves with practice, and passion often develops after gaining proficiency in a pursuit. External validation fades in significance compared to the fulfillment derived from the process itself. Successful individuals exemplify this principle by setting goals and focusing on the necessary steps daily. Their small, daily achievements fuel a lasting motivation that doesn't rely on external validation. This approach to motivation, focusing on action and the accumulation of small wins, fosters a self-sustaining cycle of progress, identity development, and motivation. By prioritizing consistent daily improvements over seeking external stimuli, motivation naturally emerges from within, paving the way for greater success tomorrow.

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