Motivation Myths—A List (8 freaking lies)
This is a blog introduction about motivation myths. I needed to say that keyword in the intro so I can rank in search engines and such.
But I’m not sure what to talk about for this intro. I mean, what more information do you really need?
This post is a list of myths about motivation. Do I really need a whole story or captivating intro to reallllly pull you in?
You’re here. You know what to do.
Here’s the list.
1. You Have No Control Over Your Motivation
There’s a tendency to think motivation just pops up when it feels like it. That you have no control over it.
That’s myth number one.
The truth is, motivation can be harnessed and strengthened (like a skill).
There will always be spontaneity to it. But it’s also something you can turn on with new habits and intention.
The quickest solution (and annoying broken-record advice) is to just start, which brings us to myth number two.
2. Motivation Comes Before Action
There’s this idea (and I’ve been guilty of believing this one) that waiting for motivation and only acting on things when it comes is the way great things happen.
A lightning strike epiphany followed by flow state focus.
But no…it’s usually not like that.
Usually, motivation follows action. And yea, the spontaneous moments still happen too. But that’s not something to rely on.
If you’re needing motivation, stop waiting for it and just start (yea I know, the same trite advice from above).
3. Money Is the Strongest Motivator
Money does have a degree of motivation, but only to a point.
Once you’re able to survive and cover your expenses, money’s motivation diminishes sharply.
There’s lots of research on this too. Basically, higher salaries don’t motivate employees to be more engaged, productive or happier.
But things like involvement, a sense of ownership and feeling like you’re making a difference do.
So yea, money (and other external stuff) is important, but eventually it loses its luster.
I guess that’s why intrinsic motivation and having a clear why is so cool.
Explore more:
➤ Things That Motivate Us
4. Successful People Must Be Motivated All the Time
Is it even realistic to always be motivated?
I say no way. And there’s this idea that successful consistent people must be really motivated all the time.
But really, it’s probably just discipline and consistency.
Feeling unmotivated never goes away. And if you happen to reach short-term success from random spurts of motivation alone (like having a random viral video), it probably won’t last.
Reliable growth takes showing up when you really don’t feel like it.
(but there’s nothing wrong with taking breaks either!)
5. Motivation Is A Fixed Trait
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
If you believe you’re an unmotivated person, you’ll become exactly that.
The beliefs we have about ourselves become self-fulfilling prophecies because we constantly reaffirm our stories by focusing on them.
Even if there’s evidence to the contrary, we tend to miss it.
If someone is constantly telling themselves “I’m not a motivated person…” or “I’m just lazy and I like comfort”, then they’re creating and reinforcing that reality.
Put another way, motivation is not a fixed trait.
You can become motivated. Just start telling yourself a different story.
6. I’ll Be Motivated Once I ____
Ahh, tomorrow—that magical place where everything happens exactly how we want.
But the truth is, motivation doesn’t magically appear.
You won’t be motivated once you have:
More time
More money
A six pack
Whatever…
Motivation comes before all that. Before tomorrow.
7. Being Unmotivated Is Lazy
If you’re unmotivated, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re lazy.
Everyone needs a break. A day off. Self care.
Or, maybe you’re working on something that’s not aligned and you need to shift focus to a true passion.
Either way, don’t feel bad if you need to take time off and step away from things.
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing.
8. The Best Work Comes From Motivated Work
I’ve stumbled onto so many great ideas when I really didn’t feel like doing anything at all.
I can be totally out of the zone and detached, but somehow, I find something interesting. A spark of interest, a small gem. This usually snowballs into motivation.
But the idea that your best ideas need to come from a place of high motivation is a myth.
And that’s a wrap! Have any more motivation myths not mentioned in this list? Lemme know below.
Otherwise, later ✌️
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
