Motivation is often the result of action, not the cause of it. Getting started, even in very small ways, is a form of active inspiration that naturally produces momentum.

Active inspiration

We experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of our current abilities. Not too hard. Not too easy. Just right.Tasks that are significantly below our current abilities are boring. Tasks that are significantly beyond our current abilities are discouraging.

The Goldilocks Rule

Newton’s First Law applied to habit formation: Objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Once a task has begun, it is easier to continue moving it forward. In other words, it is often easier to finish a task than it was to start it in the first place.

The Physics of productivity

They remove the need to make a decision and provide a mindless way to initiate a behavior:<ul><li>To become more creative: Follow a creative ritual before you start writing or painting or singing.</li><li>To start each day stress-free: Create a five-minute morning meditation ritual.</li><li>To sleep better: Follow a “power down” routine before bed.</li></ul>

Building routines and rituals 

Every choice has a price, but when we are motivated, it is easier to bear the inconvenience of action than the pain of remaining the same.In other words, at some point, it becomes more painful to not do the work than to actually do it.

The essence of motivation

<ul><li>Consider every thought you have as a suggestion, not an order. And none of these suggestions are orders. They are merely options;</li><li>Maintain perspective: Your discomfort is temporary;</li><li>You will never regret good work once it is done.</li></ul>

When motivation fades

<ol><li>Make the start easy: You shouldn’t need motivation to start your pre–game routine;</li><li>While your routine should be as easy as possible to start, it should gradually transition into more and more physical movement;</li><li>You need to follow the same pattern every single time: Eventually, this routine becomes so tied to your performance that by simply doing the routine, you are pulled into a mental state that is primed to perform.</li></ol>

Making motivation a habit

Setting a schedule for yourself seems simple, but it puts your decision-making on autopilot by giving your goals a time and a place to live. It makes it more likely that you will follow through regardless of your motivation levels.

Scheduling motivation

Motivation is a powerful, yet tricky beast. Sometimes it is really easy to get motivated, and you find yourself wrapped up in a whirlwind of excitement. Other times, it is nearly impossible to figure out how to motivate yourself and you're trapped in a death spiral of procrastination.

When motivation fades

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