The Motivation Post

There’s a lot of talk about motivation out there.  A lot of us have taken some serious hits to the face and it’s started to really slow us down.  And it’s good that there’s so many resources out there addressing motivation.  But the problem I have with it is that most advice seems to link motivation and willpower.  And while that is definitely an aspect to being able to get things done, I think it puts too much emphasis on one kind of motivation.

I think of motivation like a well inside you.  You could dig as deep as you want, and maybe you’ll get more water, but at the end of the day, you need to tap into the well with the most water.  If you’re willpower is all dried out, but you have an abundance of impatience, that should be your well. 

I know that sounds kind of messed up.  Patience is a virtue.  Willpower is essential.  Yeah yeah.  But why do we have to say one form or drive is inherently better than an another.  I think it’s wherever you have the deepest well.  And if that well is coming from an unorthodox place, who cares?

For me, I’ve divided up my motivations into 3 forms.  Willpower, impatience, and enjoyment.

I think willpower is a little overrated.  It’s super useful in those really difficult times, but not every day.  Plus, I believe it’s a well that dries out.  Some of the hardest men I know grow soft and tired when they get older, then everything they were keeping back with willpower floods in.  So I’d rather not have my life run on willpower.  I use it in those 10 percent acute emergencies. 

Then we have impatience.  I also use this for acute situations but on a more regular basis.  You need something done or mostly done today, be impatient.  It will act like this annoying alarm in your head whenever you stop working.  And you will be super excited about whatever you’re doing.  You can’t do this all the time though.  It waxes and wanes and you’ll have to figure out your own pattern for that.  But if you need a strong driving force that has less of a chance of depressing you.  Be impatient to knock things out. 

Lastly, enjoyment.  I’m working on this.  But I believe this should be used most of the time.  I know that sounds hedonistic but I’m not talking about chasing pleasure.  People enjoy some kinds of work, or certain sports or even developing some skills.  Find the things that you enjoy or find how to enjoy things you have to do regularly.  Remember, it’s easier to lose weight when you like what you eat.  Legit, if the scale drops everyday by a little and you are satisfied with what you eat, that’s your diet.  If you have to do something every day or if a skill takes time to develop and you can’t master it impatiently, then you need to enjoy doing it.  Otherwise, you’ll likely flake out or get sick of it. 

Motivation doesn’t need to look pretty to others, but it will need to drive you foreword.  Whatever that may be, that’s the well you need to draw on.  And I think all people should take the time to figure out which well holds the most water for them.  And then use that regardless of what the world might tell them they should use. 

All the Best,

Andreas