Motivation is like Methamphetamine (Addictive Drug)
There are times you are feeling low or ‘demotivated’ and you find some content online or talk to someone. This gives you a high or ‘motivation’. Have you wondered why it is short-lived and you always need more?
Why Motivation doesn’t work?
Motivation relies on adrenaline high which fades slowly. This happens because motivation is not directly linked to your goals.
For example –
Don’t stop when you are tired, stop when you are done
Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise
All we have is now
Motivation uses very generalized content with no mention of goals. Our Brain figures this out and we lose interest.
Healthier Alternatives
1. Self-Discipline
This is a self-promise to do one thing every day for the rest of your journey.
For example — You will train every single day for your six-pack abs
This is one step at a time streak approach similar to the one used by Snapchat
2. Inspiration
This is a dream about living your goal. You get pleasure by dreaming which keeps you going every day
For example — If you are promised to get ice cream to study for 3 hours today, you will study while dreaming about the ice cream. This is an inspiration.
3. Habit (a consequence of Self- Discipline)
If you keep the self-discipline for a good amount of time. Your brain accepts the task and it stops questioning you or thinking of excuses.
For example — The habit of brushing your teeth
Conclusion
Motivation is a multi-billion-dollar industry because they sell a product that gives short-lived happiness and people will always need more.
The only way to escape this trap is to stop finding ways for motivation and start relying upon — self-discipline, inspiration, and habit to reach your goals.
Motivation can be used as an occasional boost if your goal journey is too long and difficult. It should only be used as a booster not as an energy source.
