Motivation: The Science Behind Getting Motivated

Motivation is knowledge, not a muscle.

Contrary to the common perception, motivation is not a fixed trait that one either has or lacks. It is not a muscle that can be strengthened or weakened. Instead, motivation is knowledge that can be learned and applied. By understanding the science behind motivation, individuals can develop strategies to cultivate it effectively.

Set intrinsically motivating goals.

The key to staying motivated is to set goals that are intrinsically motivating, meaning they are enjoyable to pursue and align with one's values. Extrinsic goals, on the other hand, are driven by external rewards or punishments and tend to be less sustainable. When setting goals, it is important to focus on the process as much as the outcome. If the journey is enjoyable, the motivation to persist will be higher.

Break down goals into smaller milestones.

Large, daunting goals can be overwhelming and lead to procrastination. To make progress more manageable and rewarding, it is helpful to break down goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This allows individuals to experience a sense of accomplishment more frequently, which can boost motivation and make the overall goal seem less intimidating.

Remove your ego from motivation.

Ego can be a hindrance to motivation, especially when faced with setbacks. When ego is involved, it becomes more difficult to learn from mistakes and stay motivated in the face of challenges. By removing ego from the equation, individuals can approach setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as personal failures.

Seek discomfort temporarily.

While it is natural to avoid discomfort, temporarily seeking it can actually be beneficial for motivation. When individuals step outside of their comfort zones, they demonstrate to themselves that they are capable of growth and that discomfort is not something to be feared. This can make them more resilient and motivated to pursue challenging goals.

Balance your goals.

Pursuing multiple goals can be both rewarding and challenging. To avoid feeling overwhelmed and losing motivation, it is important to find a balance between different goals. This may involve prioritizing certain goals over others or finding ways to combine goals to create a more harmonious and fulfilling experience.

Anticipate temptations.

Temptations are inevitable, and it is unrealistic to expect to avoid them entirely. However, by anticipating temptations in advance, individuals can develop strategies to minimize their impact. For example, if someone knows that they will be tempted to indulge in unhealthy snacks at a party, they can prepare by bringing their own healthy snacks or choosing to spend less time in the area where snacks are served.

Surround yourself with supportive people.

Surrounding oneself with supportive people can provide a significant boost to motivation. Friends, family, and colleagues who believe in an individual and encourage them to pursue their goals can help to create a positive and motivating environment. Sharing goals with others can also increase accountability and make individuals more likely to follow through.

Conclusion: Motivation is about being wise, not strong.

Motivation is not about being strong or having an unwavering willpower. It is about being wise and applying the science of motivation to one's life. By understanding the principles outlined above, individuals can cultivate motivation, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. Embracing a mindset of wisdom over strength is the key to unlocking sustained motivation and living a more fulfilling life.