Action isn’t just the consequence of motivation, but also the source of it.
Oftentimes, we only do something if we are motivated to do it. And we only feel motivated when we feel that spark of inspiration. The problem with relying on motivation to propel us into action is that motivation is fleeting. It comes and goes, sometimes arbitrarily. I might feel motivated to do something one day, but the next day the motivation could be gone. Moreover, motivation is situational. It is based on how you feel at a given time. If you feel like doing something, you’ll do it. But if you’re not in the mood, you won’t. I’ll be the first to admit that I am very guilty of succumbing to this mindset. I allow my emotions to determine my actions. Too many times, fear, the desire to make something “perfect” (the antagonist of my productivity), or simply, my propensity to put things off (procrastination…) has inevitably led me to inertia; to not do that thing at all. The thing is, motivation alone is not enough. Far from it. The most successful people in the world seem to …
