Motivation is Crap

Motivation is Crap

Alright, I am sure that I am going to hear from my readers on this one! After all, I am the one who is out here telling people “They are capable of more than they think.” Aren’t I the motivation guy? Well… yes and no. I have always said that I cannot motivate you, you have to motivate yourself. What I do is ask you questions and get you to think. I can provide advice based on my experience. Ultimately though, your progress is due to the work you do both physically and psychologically. But recently I came across something that really got me thinking.

I read, listen to pod casts, and watch videos a lot. This helps me grow and continues me on my journey to improve myself everyday. So, I was watching a video of an interview of a retired Navy Seal named David Goggins by a guy named Tom Bilyeu. Both of these guys do great stuff, so click on their names for more info on them and here is a link to the interview: David Goggins interview. Anyway, in this interview Goggins said that “Motivation is bullshit, the people who can keep going when they are in extreme pain, are the ones with drive.” I’m paraphrasing, but that’s the gist.

This kind of blew my mind. It forced me to step back and examine my beliefs. After I did, I think I understand where he is coming from AND I agree with him. Motivation comes and goes; it’s more emotional, kind of like “Rah! Rah!” cheerleader stuff. There is nothing wrong with it, maybe it helps light your fuse, but that’s not what you lean on when you enter the pain cave. It’s the first thing that goes away and if there is nothing else, you’re going to quit.

Drive however is what is underneath motivation. When you are at mile 23 and you’re in pain with your soul exposed and everything is raw, from blisters to your emotions, motivation is gone and drive is what remains. So the real question you need to ask yourself is “What drives you?” “WHY are you doing what you are doing?” Whether its life or an ultra race, you need to spend time in your own head answering this. There is no “correct” answer. This is a very personal question, but it is the one that will get you through the darkest hours, so neglect it at your own risk.

Just like I kept an open mind and my thoughts are constantly evolving, I am challenging you to do the same. Sit with yourself and pick a challenge you are working on, like that 50k you have coming up, you know who you are, and really ask yourself “WHY you are doing it?” Is it for your kids? Is it for you? Is it for the glory? It doesn’t matter what the answer is, as long as it is YOUR answer, and it’s honest. Then, when you’re bleeding and tired, and the motivation is long gone, pull out what drives you, and keep moving forward.

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