Chapter 3Motivation
We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
—Walt Disney
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily.
—Zig Ziglar
Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.
—Darth Vader
What Do I Want to Be Known For?
What Is Motivation, Really?
While drafting this chapter on his MacBook Pro, Jason looked up the word motivation in the dictionary app, which defined the word as “the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.”
Defining your core motivation makes it easier for you to decide what to do, and more important, to decide what not to do. Clarify several answers to the first Momentum Question: “What do I want to be known for?”
Now is the time to be ruthless about what gets your attention. Our goal for you is that you say yes to the projects that represent what you want to be known for. And, of course, to say no to the things that will only compete for your attention and get in the way of you getting momentum on the most important projects you're taking on.
Everything begins with some inciting incident—what you could call a motive for action. Think about a project that's stuck and identify specific reasons for starting that are compelling, promising, and significant.
Old-school motivation got you pumped up and excited but didn't always give you the tools to take action. As you continue ...
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