avatarKayo Zaduban

Summary

The article discusses the nature of motivation as a temporary, drug-like high that can be detrimental if relied upon too heavily, advocating instead for self-generated drive and consistent action towards goals.

Abstract

The article "Addicted! to Motivation" compares motivation to a drug, highlighting its fleeting nature and the danger of becoming dependent on external sources for inspiration. It argues that while motivation can provide a significant boost to start projects or pursue ideas, it often dissipates quickly, leaving individuals searching for their next "fix." The author suggests that over-reliance on motivational speeches and videos can lead to a cycle of highs and lows, similar to a sugar rush, which is unsustainable for long-term success. Instead, the article encourages readers to cultivate their own enthusiasm and commitment, emphasizing the importance of hard work, persistence, and ignoring naysayers. It concludes with a quote from Will Durant, reinforcing the idea that excellence is a habit formed through consistent action, not a temporary state induced by motivational content.

Opinions

  • Motivation is likened to a self-induced narcotic that can become addictive, with the potential to create a dependency on external sources for a feel-good factor.
  • The enthusiasm derived from motivational content is often short-lived, leading to a cycle of seeking constant stimulation rather than taking sustained action.
  • The article criticizes the tendency to prioritize the consumption of motivational content over actual work, suggesting that this behavior is a form of procrastination.
  • It is suggested that self-motivation and belief in one's own ideas are crucial to maintaining momentum and achieving goals, regardless of external validation or criticism.
  • The author acknowledges the value of motivational content for teaching important lessons but stresses that it should not replace personal initiative and effort.
  • The article promotes the idea that hard work and persistence are the keys to success, rather than the fleeting inspiration provided by motivational sources.

Addicted! to Motivation

Motivation is just another drug, but with fewer side-effects.

Photo by Johnson Wang on Unsplash

“Why live an ordinary life, when you can live an extraordinary one.”–Tony Robbins

Be honest, how often do you listen, watch, or read a motivational speech?

Motivation is the fuel that drives us all to accomplish our goals. Yet like the fuel that powers our vehicle, it is a finite resource. When we have it in ample supply, we feel like nothing can bring us down, we-are-the kings of the hill!

Shame, that that feeling lasts no more than a day… for most of us.

As defined in the Cambridge dictionary, Motivation is the “enthusiasm for doing something.” The funny thing about enthusiasm, it is pretty hard to find most of the time. And when you do find it, all it takes is someone who has none to say a couple of words and boom! There goes your enthusiasm.

At least that’s what, oh so often happens to me. I’m not able to count the number of times I was really hyped up for a project or an idea, and I mean hyped up! I’m all excited, I can’t wait to share my thoughts with a mate.

Then I get to the moment… I’m all excited. I tell them this great idea of mine; I’m throwing hours at them, (usually in a bar with plenty of drinks to keep hydrated) trying to sell them on how great of an idea it is. Then the crushing blow lands, their reply “yeah that’s stupid.”

Right or wrong, my balloon filled with enthusiasm on steroids, pops and fizzles away. It’s just like a sugar rush; it is awesome when it’s up but as soon as you hit the down… bad times ahead.

And off I go, again… looking for another fix of motivation. So, I could feel that rush of energy and feel like the king of the hill… again.

The crazy thing about motivation, it’s just like a drug.

But not just any old drug. It’s a self-induced narcotic that our body teases us with, exactly like a street dealer would. They keep giving you little doses here and there… and then BOOM! You’re hooked.

But instead of a shady drug dealer that loiters on the corner of your street. This bloody thing keeps dosing you each time you watch a quasi ‘motivational’ YouTube video. You know the type, the Tony Robbins or some motivational speech given by a celebrity or whoever else.

Now! I’m not saying that these videos can’t teach you some important lessons or be extremely useful, because they most certainly can. But what I am saying is, that these 10-minute motivational hypes are just that, hypes.

They come as quickly as they go.

Herein lays the problem. We would rather listen to a motivational speech or video or whatever and get that fix of a feel-good factor than to actually go and ‘get-the-job-done! It’s so much easier to dream it and get the fix than to do it.

How many times did you make yourself a promise, after watching or listening to one of these motivational hypes? Either to yourself quietly or out loud! So one of your poor relatives or friends could hear. As if that would actually give you the incentive to do it, whatever ‘it’ is.

We need to stop relying on the inspiration and motivations that others give us and start to create our own. Stop, looking for a quick fix of enthusiasm from others but make it yourself. Believe in what you are doing, enjoy what you are doing, and ignore the naysayers, they’re just jealous.

Now the irony of the previous few sentences is not lost on me, but it would be a dick move to finish this article on a downer. So, I’m just giving you that initial spark that lights that burning desire to get things done.

I will leave you with one quote, the argument could be made that it is inspirational or motivational. I would say that to me it’s more of a no-nonsense piece of advice. But I’ll let you decide.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Will Durant

Find your passion, stick at it! It’ll get you where you want to be or rather where you should be. Hard work and persistence are all you need. Forget about wasting time on just listening or watching motivational hypes get doing!

Put your head down and grind away.

I hope you found this helpful and thank you for reading my article. If you what to ask any questions leave a comment and let start talking.

Inspiration
Motivation
Mental Health
Productivity
Advice
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