Have you ever experienced losing motivation for work? So you watch videos and read quotes about increasing motivation. Then you reflect and list the things that can motivate you to achieve your goals. But somehow, you still don’t get the work done.
That is because motivation alone isn’t enough to make you succeed. But don’t get me wrong. A quick boost in motivation can give you a push toward achieving your goal. However, relying on motivation alone won’t get you there.
In this article, we explore the reasons why you should stop relying on motivation and what you can do instead.
Why Is Being Motivated Not Enough? Reasons Motivation Doesn’t Work All the Time
Motivation is the desire to do something. It gives us drive and direction, and it’s influenced by our life satisfaction.
But our motivation doesn’t last. In reality, there will be times when we don’t have the urge to work. Challenges can throw us off, and our “you can do it” phase can fade away after some time.
Moreover, motivation is based on different factors. It’s mainly patterned on your purpose and goal in life but it can change according to your feelings and energy levels. You might be very motivated in the morning, but there’s a chance that you’ll lose it at some point throughout the day.
Relying on motivation makes you think that you need to be motivated before taking action. So instead of making you focused, your constant search for motivation becomes a distraction from actually working and acting on your goals.
How to Stop Relying On Motivation for Your Goals
On its own, motivation doesn’t work. That is why you shouldn’t rely on it. So what should you do instead? Here are steps you can take.
1. Take action
Motivation means nothing without action. Even if you listen to hundreds of motivational podcasts without actually working, you’ll accomplish nothing. Remember that in order to go somewhere, thinking about it is not enough. You’ll need to take a step and make a move to reach your destination.
2. Practice discipline
Most people fail not because they lack motivation or don’t know how to motivate themselves. Instead, people tend to fail because they don’t apply one essential concept in their life — discipline.
Discipline allows you to stick to your goals, even if you’re not feeling it. It also helps you to stay focused and gives you the initiative to stick with challenging tasks.
Read more: 7 Ways to Be More Disciplined When Using Technology
Practice discipline by creating good habits. Make a schedule and stick to it. If it’s difficult to change your habits, start small and gradually build on them.
3. Take small steps
Sometimes, when you’re faced with a very complicated task, you unconsciously avoid doing it. Well, it’s understandable. Our brains are wired to avoid things that cause us pain.
The best thing to do in this situation is to take small steps. Ask yourself, “What’s the least I can do today?” Do that gradually then eventually you’ll finish that terrifying task.
Read more: Are These Habits Holding You Back From Reaching Your Full Potential?
4. Track your progress
Tracking your progress allows you to know your accomplishments and what you still need to do in order to reach your goal. Tracking your habits is also essential if you want to improve yourself.
Conclusion
It’s important to acknowledge that motivations come and go. If you only do things that make you feel good and comfortable, you won’t get much done.
Remember that pursuing your goal means taking on difficult tasks sometimes. So stop waiting for motivation to strike and start now.
