Core Concepts
Motivation is not a reliable or necessary driver for achieving goals. Instead, developing a specific, detailed plan with contingencies for potential obstacles is a more effective approach.
Abstract
The article challenges the common belief that motivation is essential for accomplishing tasks and achieving goals. It argues that what is more important is having a well-defined plan, or "implementation intention," that specifies the when, how, where, and what of the desired action, as well as contingencies for potential obstacles.
The author suggests that instead of relying on motivation, which can be fleeting, one should create a detailed plan that outlines the specific steps to be taken, the time and location for the activity, and strategies to overcome potential disruptions. This approach, known as "implementation intention," has been shown by psychologists to be more effective in helping people follow through on their intentions.
The article provides an example of how to create such a plan, contrasting a vague goal of writing a novel with a specific plan that includes details like the time, location, tools, and measures to prevent distractions. The key, the author emphasizes, is to anticipate and plan for potential obstacles that could derail the plan.
The article concludes that motivation is not a reliable or necessary driver for accomplishing tasks, and that a well-crafted, detailed plan is a more effective approach to achieving one's goals.
Quotes
"I'm going to write for 30 minutes every day at 7:00am in the morning, in my study, with my cup of pre-prepped rose tea and my ear buds playing the complete Brandenburg concertos, and my handy timer to make sure my butt does NOT get out of that chair until the 30 minutes are up. And to prevent distractions, I will remove my phone and shut off the internet. I will only write, or stare at the wall during these 30 minutes."