The Motivation Myth

About the Author

Jeff Haden began his professional journey in the manufacturing industry, where he honed his skills in leadership and management. Over time, he transitioned into a prolific career as a writer, becoming a regular columnist for Inc. Magazine and a LinkedIn influencer. Haden is also a sought-after ghostwriter, contributing to numerous best-selling books. His experiences have granted him unique insights into personal growth, entrepreneurship, and the psychology of motivation. In his book, The Motivation Myth, published in 2018, Haden distills years of wisdom into a guide designed to help readers unlock their potential by demystifying the concept of motivation.

Main Idea

The Motivation Myth challenges the conventional wisdom that motivation is a prerequisite for achieving goals. Haden argues that motivation is not a magical spark that precedes action but rather a product of incremental success. By shifting the focus from lofty ambitions to the celebration of small victories, individuals can create a self-reinforcing cycle of motivation that propels them toward their ultimate goals. Haden’s approach is both practical and empowering, encouraging readers to take control of their journey by focusing on what they can achieve today rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Myth of Motivation
2. Preparation: The First Step to Success
3. Find a Teacher: Learning from the Best
4. Building Your Program: Setting Yourself Up for Success
5. Repetition: The Key to Consistent Progress
6. Resilience: Persevering Through Challenges
7. Success: Defining and Achieving It
8. Conclusion: The Journey Continues

Introduction: The Myth of Motivation

Many people believe that motivation is the catalyst for achieving great things. They wait for that moment of inspiration, believing that it will propel them to success. However, Haden flips this notion on its head, asserting that motivation comes after success, not before. He explains that motivation is born from the sense of accomplishment that follows small wins. By taking consistent, incremental steps toward a goal, individuals can generate their own motivation, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.

"Motivation isn't something you need before you take action; it's what you get from doing the work." – Jeff Haden

This idea is liberating because it removes the pressure to feel motivated before starting something difficult. Instead, it empowers people to take small steps, knowing that each accomplishment, no matter how minor, will generate the motivation to continue. It’s a shift from a mindset of waiting to a mindset of doing, which is essential for anyone who feels stuck in the pursuit of their goals.

Preparation: The First Step to Success

According to Haden, the key to overcoming the inertia that often prevents us from starting is preparation. He suggests that the hardest part of any journey is taking the first step, and what holds most people back is not a lack of motivation but a lack of preparation. Preparation builds confidence, which in turn makes it easier to get started. Haden emphasizes the importance of designing a program that breaks down goals into manageable steps, each of which should be celebrated as a success.

Preparation is about creating a roadmap that makes the journey less daunting. By identifying the steps required to achieve a goal and organizing them into a structured plan, the overwhelming task of reaching a lofty ambition becomes manageable. Haden advises that instead of fixating on the end goal, individuals should focus on the immediate next step. This approach reduces anxiety and makes the process of achieving goals less intimidating.