Stop Watching Motivation Content

I’ve mentioned many times that discipline is the better and more reliable alternative to motivation, and although motivation is great when available, it shouldn’t be relied on. 

But where does that leave seeking and receiving motivation from external sources like films and videos on social media? If it’s great when available, shouldn’t you watch as much as you can? 

Well, I don’t believe that’s such a good idea. The problem with this form of motivation is that although it’s very potent, it does nothing in reality.

Yes, a video or song might get you up and out of bed, but what about the time after that?

You might love boxing and are trying to pursue it as a career, and so watching Rocky cutscenes gets you pumped and out the door. But, becoming a professional boxer takes years, so what's the use of needing a video to get you going?

Rocky cutscenes last 60 seconds in the movies, but they portray a timescale of at least a couple of months, sometimes years. It looks sexy when it’s showing him reaching the top of the stairs with intense music, but what’s happening in the cutscenes isn’t sexy at all, and no motivation is going to create a real-life Rocky.

David Goggins is a good real-life example: he runs hundreds of miles at a time and is known as “the toughest man in the world.” People use short-form motivational videos of him running and talking, and actually think they'll achieve something by doing so.

When in reality, there isn’t enough motivation in the world to get you to where he is and to do what he’s done, it’s just pain, suffering, with a splash of craziness.

Motivation is fragile in the face of what it promises to create.

What I’m trying to say is, if you’re going to do anything like what’s being shown in this type of video or film, and are using motivation to do so, you’re better off stopping now. Not because you’re incapable, but because it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than motivation to get you there.

You need something else: grit, determination, discipline, willpower, dedication and probably a splash of obsession.

Motivation will always have you setting the alarm the night before, but it rarely ever has you getting up in the morning, so stop chasing it.