The Truth About Motivation
Is Motivation Really Worth it?
While I was in my last semester for Year one in University, during the day it was our study week, I felt so effortless and unmotivated to study but deep inside I really wanted to study. Three days before my first exam paper I studied at library with my friend. He then told me that actually he felt unmotivated to study because its all too late to start again to study the whole thing in just less than a week and ask me to motivate him at least give him a good speech. He felt the same as what I felt but I told him that actually he does not need motivation, the only thing that he need was to be consistent studying from the start of the semester.
While we talk about motivation, personally I believe that motivation have two parts that can make people to do the things that he need to do until he become successful while the other part will make people depressed and will judging himself according to other people’s standard (comparing himself with others) and at the end he will fail and become a useless person.
Why is this happening? Meanwhile motivation were presence for a positive purpose, how is this wrong?
What is Motivation?
According to Kendra Cherry in her article that was updated on May 3, 2023 motivation described as the underlying reason behind an individual’s actions, serving as the driving factor that instigates, directs, and sustain goal-oriented behaviours. It plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, such as abiding in weight loss efforts and propelling one towards career advancements. In essence, motivation compels individuals to take actions that bring them closer to achieving their objectives. It encompasses a range of influences, including biological, emotional, social and cognitive factors, that triggers human behaviour.
To simplify this, motivation is the internal force that motivates humans to take action, and it can be triggered by various factors, both internal (such as mood and thoughts) and external (like encouragement or inspirational words).
The Shortcomings of Motivation
One of the key issues with motivation is its often fleeting nature [bersifat sementara in Malay]. Many people believe that they need motivation to get things done, but in reality, motivation tends to be short-lived and does not imprint itself in long-term memory. This is a critical point to understand. Often, individuals feel motivated to start something new, but that motivation quickly wanes, leading to inconsistency in their efforts. It's like a rollercoaster ride of productivity that is entirely dependent on one's mood.
While motivation may seem like the key to success, it often falls short in the long run. Here's why:
1. Short-lived Nature
Motivation is notoriously short-lived. It can provide a burst of energy and enthusiasm, but it tends to fade quickly. Many people find that their initial motivation dwindles after a short period, leaving them feeling uninspired.
2. Mood Dependency
Motivation is heavily dependent on a person's mood. When someone is in a good mood, they may feel motivated and productive. However, when their mood takes a downturn, their motivation can plummet, leading to procrastination and lethargy.
3. Habitual Cycles
Motivation can trap individuals in a cycle of inconsistency. They may experience bursts of motivation followed by periods of inactivity, creating a repetitive pattern. This cycle, known as the "bed habits" cycle, hinders long-term progress.
The initial burst of motivation that drives us on "day one" of a new endeavor can be powerful. We believe we can achieve anything because of the motivation we've gathered from days prior. However, on "day two," that motivation often crumbles. The discomfort and challenges associated with change, coupled with our natural tendency to seek comfort, can lead us to abandon our positive plans. This cycle repeats itself, trapping us in a pattern known as the "bed habits loop." We start something with motivation, stop when the motivation fades, then try to motivate ourselves again, only to stop once more. This pattern can hinder [menghalang in Malay] our progress and prevent us from achieving our goals.
The Truth About Motivation
So, does motivation truly have any value? The answer lies in understanding the nature of motivation itself. Motivation, by its very definition, is a short-lived emotional spark. It's like a sparkler on a birthday cake - it shines brightly but fades quickly. Relying solely on motivation to drive us toward our goals can be futile because it is inherently temporary and can easily vanish.
The Real Keys to Success
Instead of relying on motivation, there are three fundamental elements that should be our focus:
1. Education
Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential. Education broadens our horizons and equips us with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and achieve our objectives.
2. Purpose
Having a clear sense of purpose is crucial. Knowing why we are doing something gives us a strong foundation and the determination to persevere even when our motivation wanes [berkurangan in Malay].
3. Discipline/Consistency
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. Cultivating discipline means forming productive habits that become second nature, making motivation unnecessary.
In conclusion, while motivation can be a helpful initial push, it is not a sustainable source of drive. To achieve long-term success and personal growth, focus on education, purpose, and discipline. By doing so, you'll break free from the cycle of short-lived motivation and make consistent progress towards your goals. So, the next time you come across a motivational quote or video, remember that true progress requires more than just a fleeting emotional boost.
Thank you for reading this article. Do you still believe in motivational coaches and their internet videos? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Remember, motivation may be short-lived, but your commitment to education, purpose, and discipline can lead to lasting achievements.