Rewire Your Brain For Limitless Motivation
In a world that often prioritizes comfort and convenience, the notion of intentionally seeking out challenges can be a radical yet transformative concept. Rian Doris, in his insightful video "How to force your brain to crave doing hard things," introduces the idea of leveraging motivation to rewire the brain for success. In this blog post, we'll delve into the two types of motivation he discusses and explore how focusing on the five intrinsic motivators can propel you towards embracing and even craving challenging tasks.
Two Types of Motivation:
The issue is not that you are not a motivated person, rather that you are lacking a SPECIFIC TYPE of motivation. Doris outlines two primary types of motivation: Extrinsic and Intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation involves external factors, such as rewards or recognition, driving one's behavior. On the other hand, intrinsic motivation comes from within, fueled by a genuine passion or interest in the task at hand. Doris argues that while extrinsic motivation can provide a temporary boost, it's intrinsic motivation that sustains long-term commitment and enthusiasm. In other words, extrinsic motivation can help you get started, but intrinsic motivation is what keeps you going.
The Power of Intrinsic Motivators:
Doris identifies five key intrinsic motivators that, when harnessed effectively, can significantly contribute to rewiring the brain for a desire for challenging endeavors:
1. Autonomy: The desire to have control over one's actions and decisions. By incorporating autonomy into your pursuits, you can tailor your challenges to align with your personal goals and values.
2. Mastery: The pursuit of continuous improvement and skill development. Focusing on mastery allows you to view challenges as opportunities to enhance your abilities, fostering a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
- Your subconscious mind is like a sponge, absorbing information from your environment and experiences throughout your life. It forms your beliefs and constructs habits based on this acquired knowledge. For example, if you grew up in an environment where physical fitness was prioritized, your subconscious mind is more likely to support your fitness goals.
3. Purpose: Connecting your actions to a larger meaning or goal. When tasks are meaningful and contribute to a greater purpose, they become more enticing, making it easier for your brain to associate hard work with intrinsic satisfaction.
- When purpose is present, you’re willing to make the sacrifices because the work is a cause you care about.
4. Curiosity: The insatiable itch to learn everything you can about whatever it is you’re working on.
- Without it, work ends when you leave the office.
- With it, work is like reading a book you can’t put down.
5. Autotelicity: The love for the activities you do at work while working.
- Without it you feel trapped, like someone else is pulling the strings.
- With it, you choose what projects to work on.
- Your work is truly your own.
Integrating Intrinsic Motivators into Challenges:
Doris suggests that by intentionally incorporating these intrinsic motivators into your approach to challenges, you can amplify their impact on your brain's rewiring process:
- Design challenges that allow for autonomy, enabling you to take ownership of your goals and methods.
- Seek opportunities for mastery by setting incremental goals and focusing on continuous improvement.
- Align challenging tasks with a greater purpose, emphasizing the impact they have on your personal growth or the well-being of others.
- Foster curiosity by collaborating with others, sharing challenges, and building a supportive network.
- Regularly assess and celebrate progress to reinforce the positive feedback loop associated with overcoming obstacles which in turn increases autotelicity in your work.
Conclusion:
Rian Doris's exploration of motivation and intrinsic drivers provides valuable insights into how we can consciously shape our brain's response to challenges. By understanding and focusing on the five intrinsic motivators—autonomy, mastery, purpose, curiosity, and autotelicity—you can not only force your brain to crave doing hard things but also find profound satisfaction and fulfillment in the journey of personal and professional growth. So, as you embark on your next challenge, consider the intrinsic motivators as your allies, propelling you toward a future where the pursuit of difficulty becomes a source of joy and accomplishment.
This is only a brief snapshot of what the full video covered. If you want to learn more on how to rewire your brain and create unlimited motivation, check out the link below and watch the full video.
