Optimist, New York Times bestselling author of "Start with Why" and "The Infinite Game", and founder of The Optimism Company
On the latest episode of A Bit of Optimism, Mel Robbins shares her hot take on motivation as we discuss ways to tap into our humanity (and brain power) to chase our goals with self-compassion. For more great takeaways, listen to our full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s a matter of grit, not skill. Grit builds skill and is the foundation of will.
I think these conversations or edits loose nuance in pursuit of headlines, click bait and making statements that will cause threads like this. Does is genuinely help people? Saying motivation is garbage? Try telling people who aren’t doing well and are desperately trying to find their motivation to get through each day that it’s garbage. Nike is a marketing brand line that I do recognise taps in to the mindset of resistance that can show up for some about sports. But not all. Motivation gives us, dare I say it in the Simon Sinek world, a why. Why do we want to difficult or uncomfortable things which we might be resistant to? Why face the stakes if something that might be uncomfortable? To jump in the game as Mel Robbins says? If we don’t attribute meaning value and realise the potential of a desirable outcome? Why would we want to do it anyway? Motivation gives meaning to action and decision.
💙Love these two! The impact of "just" lies in the context and intent behind its use. The application can easily shift from limiting to inspiring. If used to simplify or focus on what truly matters, "just" can provide clarity and confidence. For instance, "just be yourself," reinforces authenticity and self-acceptance, while "it's just an idea" undermines your creative contribution. Context matters!
People are not black and white. You are not a good businessman or a bad businessman. You need to think like you almost have some sort of a check list. I am good for example at marketing strategies, I have proof of it. I am good with people, I have proof of it. I am lacking in archiving KPI’s for example. It’s one of the criteria of success for a businessman, but in the imaginary list, according to most ticks, I am a good businessman. Even if I fail at this specific thing, it wouldn’t make me a bad businessman, bad runner, bad boyfriend etc. This can be applied to almost anything, I am just bad at this. But because I am so good at everything else, I might be able to improve that, invest more time in it, or just maybe decide it is not my thing at all and try something else. It’s might sound like a hard concept to grasp, but I think a lot to do with motivation lies in fears related to our egos, so working around them could really help. That what helps me a lot when it comes to motivation
It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget that we’re human, as if we were wired for that kind of productivity, we are not. it’s okay to trip and fall as long as you get back up and maybe even laugh about it 😄 What’s everyone’s favorite way to practice self-compassion while working towards their goals? Do you have any quirky rituals that keep you motivated and kind to yourself?
Also - to follow my last rant - she follows her "I think motivation is complete garbage." statement by saying "It's never there when you need it." Really? So now we are using definitive terms like 'never' as if it's fact. Her claim - although she is entitled to her opinion - can't be supported. She doesn't know you and therefore doesn't know what motivates you or when that motivation is present. I'm willing to bet we have marathon runners in our presence who would say they have finished races not because they thought they had to, not because they were afraid of disappointing someone (or themselves), but rather because they were motivated by the challenge. There was likely a point in the race where they were hitting a wall and had the choice to quit or finish. The motivation was there when they needed it - regardless of the source of that motivation - and they finished. Motivation may not always be there when we need it - I'm rarely motivated to cut the grass - but to say it's 'never' there when we need it simply can't be supported.
Manager of Sales & Community Outreach at The Villages Health System, LLC.
1moMotivation is important, but developing the discipline to sustain it is even more crucial than relying on external techniques to push ourselves. Discipline ensures that we stay on course, even when motivation wanes, and helps us build lasting habits that lead to real, long-term progress. Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining motivation because it creates momentum. When you show up day after day, regardless of how you feel, you're building discipline and resilience.