Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Smith asserts that motivation isn’t a fixed skill or innate trait but rather a fluctuating sensation, akin to emotions. This transience can prove problematic when trying to achieve specific goals or maintain consistency. A crucial aspect of motivation lies in understanding that the brain constantly monitors bodily responses like heart rate and breathing. As a result, physical actions can influence brain activity, subsequently affecting feelings of motivation.

There are two primary strategies for managing motivation. First, individuals can nurture and enhance their feelings of motivation, hoping to experience it more frequently. Secondly, and perhaps more crucially, individuals can learn to act in their best interest even in the absence of motivation, pushing through moments of reluctance.

Smith also draws a distinction between procrastination and anhedonia. Procrastination is a common response to stress or aversive feelings. Anhedonia, on the other hand, is a deeper, more concerning issue—often linked to conditions like depression—wherein individuals cease to find pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. The danger in both cases arises when one waits for motivation to appear spontaneously. This passive approach can further diminish feelings of motivation and exacerbate lethargy.

The central argument is that motivation often emerges because of action.