You’re (Never) Going to Want To

Many of us today are conditioned to believe we must be inspired first, before acting. We tune into myriad TED talks and podcasts on creativity and success, and we only hear the part that tells us we’ll suddenly be catapulted into inspired action if we get up at 6 a.m. everyday – or kite surf with venture capitalists – or read more books – or sell all of our belongings.

The thing is, you’re never going to want to (in the beginning). And there is no magic motivational bullet. First, you must do.

Do Shit Work

The idea that we need to first experience some wave of energetic inspiration out of the blue – some divine intervention that shifts our way of being (i.e. bad habits) – is a road straight into paralysis and laziness.

To pull ourselves out of the doldrums of motivational purgatory many of us must swallow our pride and do shit work. Write a shitty article. Draft a shitty proposal. Have a shitty workout.

The most important thing about doing shit work is that you’re DOING something in the direction of where you want to go.

Accomplishment is the Greatest Motivator

It may seem like the game is rigged, but a sense of accomplishment must precede a sense of “getting in the zone.” Motivation does not come from inspiration. Motivation indeed comes from achievement. That is why we start with doing. We put on our big boy pants and we just do it. Without wanting to. With dread, even.

Achievement is Not Created Equally

Notice how in the beginning you will seek out a sense of accomplishment anywhere. Like opening your mail or going grocery shopping. Congratulations, you’re an adult.

When you take the path of least resistance (say, cleaning out the closet rather than writing that thesis), the sense of motivation will be brief and again you’ll start to seek fulfillment through doing.

Start your doing in the zone of where you want to go – the path of most resistance, not least. It may suck at first, but then you will do better work. And then you will be motivated to keep going on your path. The skies may even clear and you won’t even want to binge-watch another episode of Law & Order.

 

What’s Jennifer Aniston’s line from The Break Up when fighting with boyfriend Vince Vaughn? “I want you to want to do the dishes!” Yes, that is as ridiculous as it sounds. You’re never going to want to. Until you do. And you are rewarded with all sorts of pleasing feelings and responses.