The myth that you need motivation to complete tasks exists, so how do we hack it?
Here is motivation in equation format
Thought ==> "I should write that document"
Brain Translate into action ==>Myth - "motivation - feelings of wanting to do it needed/required".
Action - => "Write that document:
"motivation needed/required" phase is broken into several types.
Firstly that language in our self-talk "I should". ===>gives the message of the brain has an option not to do it. Removing that optionality helps. ==> "I will"
Willingness to do it, based on emotion. (Are you letting your emotions rule you?)
Willingness to do it based on responsibility - negative consequences
Willingness to do it for reward - positive consequences
Why is motivation a "myth"?
You don't need to "feel" like you want to do it.
You don't require "feelings/desire" to take action.
Though it does help if you do feel like doing it.
When you take an action - your brain has a compelling need to take that action.
Our brain needs a compelling low level (reactive brain region desire) to do it.
Negative Consequences(Pain) & Positive consequences(Pleasure) Provide this low level automatic brain trigger.
That's alright if the Brain gets feedback of the results of the actions in a short term.
But our brain is not wired to look for long term consequences/rewards
To get the results, for the long term, there is a hack, to shorten the feedback loop, so we get lots of short term rewards/negative consequences. breaking down long term projects into small steps, works.
Thought ==>Compelling Low level (automatic) need to take action ==> Actions ==> Results
No feelings required, before the action. However "feelings of pleasure" before, during and after are important. The feelings don't give rise to action. For instance if there is fear, your brain will be less likely to take that action.
The thought - action - pleasure will set a brain pattern.
Result is pleasure will push the brain into action.
Of course, if you enjoy the activity then it is easier to get the desired results.
"If I write, I get points, points mean prizes so I will do it. Pleasure" will become hard wired into our brain. ==>"I will write, I will get the points, I will get the pleasure"
What do we need to do, to give our brain that compelling "automatic, reactive brain" reason to do it."
- Self-talk matters. Change "I should" ==>"I will"
- Gamify it. Pleasure. /Pain as a result of completing the action, to get the desired result.
- Shorten the feedback loop. Break that long term result, into smaller steps, with visible pleasure/pain outcomes for each one.
- Remember the principle of Voluntary Discomfort - If it's effort, thats uncomfortable, it's good for you.
- Injecting Urgency - saying to yourself "I will... write now... 54321.." provides a sense of urgency to your brain, that will trigger action.
This content was inspired by several sources. These techniques are practiced, and proven to move you from thought into action. These techniques are making the assumption of a healthy mind and body.