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LM: #287: Research? Me-search.
Research shows a reward can trigger action. Rewards can also lead to complacency.
Research shows a punishment can kick you into gear. A punishment can also incite rebellion.
Research shows a goal can be a guiding beacon. A goal can also be a limiting barrier.
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Research on motivation is essentially useless, when it comes to your creative projects.
Maybe freedom gives you energy, or you crave structure. Maybe you love competition, or you prefer collaboration. Maybe stress lights a fire inside you, or it burns you out.
It depends on the project or the stage of the projects. Most of all, it depends upon you.
You must become a master of your own motivation. Constantly attempt to motivate yourself, and see what happens. But when you fail to do what you intend, don’t be crushed – be curious.
Anything can be motivating, or de-motivating. Become the world-renowned expert on what motivates you.
Forget the research and do your own me-search.
Aphorism: “Learn from other people’s successes and failures, but do your own thing.” —Mark Zuckerberg
Cool: In Billy Joel’s interview with Howard Stern the legend reveals his song-writing process.
Best,
David
P.S. Some classic motivation mechanisms are carrots and sticks, and what I call “blinders”.
