How to Keep Working When You’re Just Not Feeling It
Motivating yourself is one of the main things that sets high achievers apart, and it’s hard. How do you keep pushing onward when your heart isn’t in it? In her research, Fishbach has identified some simple tactics: Set goals that are intrinsically rewarding, and make them very specific. If a task isn’t satisfying, focus on aspects of it that are or combine it with pleasant activities. Reward yourself in the right way for getting things done. To avoid slumps, break objectives into subgoals; look at how much you’ve accomplished until you’re halfway there; and then count down what you have left to do. And use social influence: Let high performers inspire you, boost your get-up-and-go by giving advice, and keep the people you want to succeed for front of mind.
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I have written "Actions first, feelings second" on my wall.
I read Sapiens and realized almost nothing matters. We are but dust to dust. Just work on cool stuff and stop doing anything that is bullshit. There's enough money making opportunities in the world. If you don't find something, something will find you.
Whether something matters or not is ultimately up to you, it is subjective, not an objective truth.
Honestly, I don't. I keep on building SaaS systems that fundamentally have a good solid grounding on viability. However, I just want to focus on building my SaaS boilerplate instead, so I keep going back to that. Especially since part of the reason for building these SaaS systems was for content marketing for my boilerplate. I think now, I'm just going to focus fully on that.
It could be a burnout. I'd say take a break!
It doesn't really have to be that way. One of my friend use to say an example.
Say, you love burgers. You'll eat the first one with so much enthusiasm. Second burger, you still like it, but it is not that tasty like first. Third one, you are almost full and you stop in the halfway. You like burger, doesn't mean that you can keep eating it.
Same way, even if you're given with most interesting job in the world, it will be boring after a time. The crux is, it is not really about what you do. It is all about how you do it, and keep at it.
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing – that's why we recommend it daily.
And it is called, perseverance.
By creating simpler step-by-step breakdowns of tasks.
This helps me gain momentum.
If the friction is too high, then creating habits is the solution.
Somehow I need to take the habits and turn them into 'second nature'.
Alternatively, accepting that I need to take breaks is also part of the game. In these events, having a long-term view of things is valuable.
To be honest here, I can't push when I'm just not feeling it as one said- "Don't start a company unless it's an obsession and something you love".
I say to my self that I don't have an option except to work. I keep reminding myself there is no "Plan B".
I've never come across 'short middles' before. What a great idea to keep your motivation from dipping halfway through a project. I'll definitely be giving it a try.
"The trick is to focus on the elements of the work that you do find enjoyable."
I think this is key and something I make sure I do every day as a founder. Building a business isn't a walk in the park and there are going to be a lot of boring, hard, and basically shitty jobs to do. Not what most entrepreneurs have in mind when they quit their 9-5. Focusing on what you do enjoy and making sure there is something you do enjoy every day really helps you get through the unpleasant stuff. If you have a calendar full of tasks you hate then even the most motivated person in the world is not going to want to get up in the morning and tackle it.