The Myths Of Motivation

It's difficult to imagine that, as common as the word “motivation” is today, there are many people who don’t know what it really is. Motivation comes from two Latin words: movere, meaning "to move, to stir up", and ire, meaning "to go". So motivation literally means moving towards something.

In our post we'll be debunking all the myths of motivation in an effort to help those who feel unmotivated about their work or life get back on track.

Myth #1: Motivation is something unknown and imaginary.

While the raw idea of motivation may be quite abstract, it shouldn't be forgotten that it doesn't come out of nowhere. There is a deep link between our emotions and the work we do. Our mood is closely related with our wellbeing and productivity. When your mind is calm, you'll probably be more effective, less stressed and productive as well as happier in general. On the other hand, when you're on a bad day, it will probably affect your performance at work or life in general negatively.

Also consider that motivation not being written into our genes means that it's something we can learn about...and influence to an extent as well. In other words: there's no need to wait for motivation to hit you right between the eyes, take action and get it yourself!

Myth #2: Motivation is some mystical state which can only be achieved by a few “special people” who have the key to it all.

While there are those who may truly be motivated about everything, in general talking, motivation is such a simple concept that anybody can understand and apply it himself. It often only takes clearer insight into what works for you and what doesn't and practice.

Also, it's probably right to assume that people tend to be motivated or inspired by different things. The person next to you may be a huge fan of writing while you'd rather do something creative and different. Unfortunately, this quite often leads to people easily giving up on their dreams, because they find somebody who's doing what they like better than them. While you may find this other person's work more inspiring, it doesn't mean anything for your own performance whatsoever. After all, the prospect of being mediocre at something can be discouraging when compared to doing the thing you love badly. You need to realize that your motivation is personal, it all comes down to what you want out of the work you do. By recognizing the simple truth, you'll probably find yourself doing better at what matters.

Myth #3: Motivation is either present or it's not and there's nothing one can do about it.

I personally believe that one of the greatest myths around motivation is that we either have it or we don't. As a result, there are two paths people usually take when they're struggling with their lack of motivation: they either give up or try and force themselves into doing something...usually making matters even worse in the process.

The first mistake would be to assume that motivation and inspiration don't exist...and that you have to wait until the feeling comes over you. However, if you're constantly in a state of wishing for inspiration to hit, you're probably never going to get it in the first place. It's also important to consider that most people have a certain amount of motivation as part of their daily routine...and this is actually a good thing! It means that we can always put things off if there's no more time for us.

The other option we usually take is “forcing” ourselves into doing something we don't feel like doing. When this happens, we usually end up experiencing a lot of stress and tension...which can be quite damaging to our health.

Instead, I suggest that you get used to the idea that motivation can both appear and disappear at any time. Let it come when it comes, and let it go when it goes. It could be that you're just not in the right mood or environment to do something. However, even if you are all set up for action...if your motivation is nowhere in sight, then don't force yourself into doing anything! Instead try something entirely different 3 times a week...even if these activities are totally unrelated with what you usually do on a daily basis.

Myth #4: If you're not motivated, then there's something wrong with you.

It's true that some people are naturally more motivated than others. However, this doesn't mean that you can't “force” yourself if you're lacking in motivation. It just means that you might have to work harder because of it! Nobody is born wanting to do everything they do...everyone has different priorities and ideas about what they enjoy most in life.

The most important thing is to realize that motivation is not really an issue...it's only a question of how much willpower we put into action. If you find yourself lacking in motivation, then take a look at what you're currently doing and why you're doing it. This is the first step towards changing things up. Otherwise, chances are you're not going to do what needs to be done!

Myth #5: If I'm not motivated I should do something else instead of working on my goals.

No matter what you choose to do with your time, it's important that it builds up on your goals. If your goal is something related to work, then it's essential that whatever you do during the day brings a little bit more light into your work life...even if it's just a small step. You really should make yourself prioritize your hobbies and other things that are not work related.

If you're passionate about something, then you'll probably find yourself doing it more freely and with more enthusiasm...which will lead to an increased motivation to do things you don't think you enjoy so much. Many people start thinking they're not motivated because they don't have fun with what they're doing. While this is obviously the last thing on their mind, there is a fine line between being motivated and bored. It all depends on your own personal priorities...

Myth #6: Motivation is a psychological thing and nothing else can solve it.

Even though motivation changes, doing nothing is not a viable alternative to motivating yourself. Take the free time you have and set some new goals for yourself...this can help you focus on what you want to achieve instead of waiting for motivation to kick in. There are certain things that need to be done before motivational ideas will show up...like organizing your life better and tackling the areas that are holding you back. If you think about it, motivation underpins all your other actions...

Conclusion